characteristics of OCD

Question 1

behavioural characteristics

Answer 1

• Compulsive behaviours performed to reduce the anxiety created by obsessions. They may be repetitive e.g hand washing
• Some patients only experience compulsions and not obsessions.
• Avoidance > people with OCD are likely to try and avoid situations that can trigger their obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours

Question 2

Emotional characteristics

Answer 2

• Extreme levels of anxiety, fear, guilt and feelings of being overwhelmed
• Depression due to feeling ‘trapped’ by their obsessions and compulsions
• Sufferers are aware that their behaviour is excessive and this causes feelings of embarrassment and shame

Question 3

Cognitive characteristics of OCD

Answer 3

• Obsessive thoughts
• using a grounding object such a wristband to remind the person that they should stop their obsessive thoughts
• Aware that their anxiety and fear are irrational
• Catastrophizing around their OCD

Question 4

how many people with OCD are effected by obsessive thoughts

Answer 4

90%