Characteristics of OCD Flashcards
(4 cards)
Behavioural characteristics of OCD
Compulsions/Repetitive Behaviour: Compulsions are repetitive actions that
could seriously hinder the person’s ability to perform everyday tasks. Compulsive behaviours reduce the anxiety that is created by obsessions. The person feels they must perform these actions otherwise something dreadful might happen. Examples include washing their hands over and over again or constantly checking the oven is switched off.
Avoidance: Some sufferers of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) attempt to reduce their anxiety by avoiding situations that might trigger it. Sufferers who wash their hands continuously might avoid coming into contact with germs by never empting their bins.
Emotional characteristics of OCD
High Anxiety/Low Mood: The obsessions and compulsions are a source of considerable anxiety and distress. Sufferers are aware that their obsessions and compulsive behaviours are excessive and this causes feelings of embarrassment and shame. Sufferers might also be aware that they cannot consciously control their compulsive behaviours, which leads to strong feelings of distress.
Disgust/Self-Loathing: Feelings of disgust may be directed at the source of the obsession (e.g. dirt and germs) or they may be directed towards the self.
Cognitive characteristics of OCD
Obsessions/Obsessive Thoughts/Irrational Beliefs: These are persistent, intrusive, irrational thoughts that are perceived as inappropriate or forbidden. They may be frightening or embarrassing and the person might not want to share them with others. Common obsessions include doubts (have they checked the cooker is switched off?) impulses (to shout and swear in public) or images. These obsessions are not worries about everyday problems; instead they are uncontrollable and cause anxiety. They can include catastrophic thinking when people with OCD think that something terrible will happen if they do not carry out their compulsions. Insight Into Irrationality of Thoughts and Behaviour/Awareness that Behaviour is Irrational/Insight Into
Excessive Anxiety: Most sufferers understand their compulsive behaviours and obsessive thoughts are inappropriate and irrational, but they cannot consciously control or stop them.
Hypervigilance/Selective Attention -Increased awareness of source of obsession in new situations. For instance, constantly worrying about germs
What is OCD
Is an anxiety disorder where anxiety arises from both obsessions and compulsions
