Characteristics of OCD

Question 1

what are behavioural characteristics of OCD?

Answer 1

• compulsions are repetitive
• compulsions reduce anxiety
• avoidance

Question 2

what are compulsions are repetitive?

Answer 2

• people with OCD feel compelled to repeat a behaviour
• e.g. handwashing

Question 3

what are compulsions reduce anxiety?

Answer 3

• for a majority with OCD, compulsive behaviours are performed in an attempt to manage the anxiety produced by obsessions

Question 4

what is avoidance?

Answer 4

• attempt to reduce anxiety by keeping away from situations that trigger it
• try to manage OCD by avoiding situations that trigger anxiety

Question 5

what are the emotional characteristics of OCD?

Answer 5

• anxiety and distress
• accompanying depression
• guilt and disgust

Question 6

what is anxiety and distress?

Answer 6

• obsessive thoughts are unpleasant and frightening, and the anxiety as well can be overwhelming
• urge to repeat a behaviour creates anxiety

Question 7

what is accompanying depression?

Answer 7

• anxiety can be accompanied with low mood, lack of enjoyment in activities
• compulsive behaviours tend to bring some relief from anxiety but this is temporary

Question 8

what is guilt and disgust?

Answer 8

• irrational guilt, over for examples minor moral issues, or disgust = directed against something external like dirt or self

Question 9

what are the cognitive characteristics of OCD?

Answer 9

• obsessive thoughts
• cognitive coping strategies
• insight into excessive anxiety