Charactertics Of OCD

Question 1

What is obsessive compulsive disorder?

Answer 1

OCD is a condition characterised by obsessions and/or compulsive behaviour

Question 2

Types of OCD

Answer 2

All related disorder have repetitive behaviour accompanied by obsessive thinking.
OCD: Characterised by either obsessions (reoccurring thoughts, images) or compulsions (repetitive behaviour such as hand washing). Most people with diagnosis of OCD have both obsessions and compulsions.

Trichotillomania: compulsive hair pulling.
• Hoarding disorder: the compulsive gathering of possessions and the inability to part with anything, regardless of its value.
• Excoriation disorder: compulsive skin pricking.

Question 3

Behavioural characteristics of OCD

Answer 3

•Compulsive behaviour is the behavioural component of OCD. There are two elements to compulsive behaviours:

1) Compulsions are repetitive - usually sufferers feel compelled to repeat a behaviour e.g., hand washing, counting, praying, tidying/ordering groups of objects.
2) Compulsions reduce anxiety - about 10% of OCD sufferers show compulsive behaviour alone, they have no obsessions. However, for a lot of individuals compulsions are performed to manage the anxiety that is produced by the obsessions (thoughts that recur over and over) e.g., compulsive hand washing is carried out as a response to an obsessive fear of germs.
•Avoidance - OCD sufferers attempt to reduce anxiety by keeping away from situations that trigger their OCD. Sufferers who wash compulsively may avoid coming into contact with germs by avoiding emptying their rubbish bins.

Question 4

Emotional characteristics of OCD

Answer 4

•Anxiety and distress - obsessive thoughts are unpleasant and frightening and the anxiety that goes with these can be overwhelming. The urge to repeat a behaviour (a compulsion) also creates anxiety.
•Depression - OCD is often accompanied by depression; sufferers may have a low mood and get a lack of enjoyment out of activities.
•Irrational guilt - this is often felt over minor moral issues.
•Disgust - this is often directed to something external like dirt, or at the self.

Question 5

Cognitive characteristics of OCD

Answer 5

•Obsessive thoughts - 90% of OCD sufferers have this as their major cognitive feature where thoughts reoccur over and over again. They vary from person to person but are alwavs unpleasant e.g., worries about being contaminated by dirt and germs, that a door has been left unlocked and an intruder will enter, impulses to hurt someone.
• Cognitive strategies - these are adopted to deal with the obsessions and manage the anxiety associated with them. For example, a religious person tormented by obsessive guilt may respond by praying or meditating. This can distract them from everyday tasks too.
• Insight into excessive anxiety - OCD sufferers are aware that their obsessions and compulsions are not rational. It is a symptom that is needed for diagnosis. They need to have an awareness of their condition to be treated. They need to know that it is irrational and not normal