Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

Question 1

What is OCD?

Answer 1

A condition characterised by obsessions and or compulsive behaviour

Question 2

What are emotional characteristics of OCD?

Answer 2

Anxiety and distress - obsessive thoughts unpleasant and frightening feeling, also cause anxiety which is overwhelming
Accompanying depression - comorbidity, OCD usually accompanied by depression, anxiety accompanied by low mood and lack of enjoyment in activities
Guilt and disgust - Irrational guilt over minor issues, disgust towards self or other things

Question 2

What are behavioural characteristics of OCD?

Answer 2

Compulsions are repetitive - compelled to repeat a behaviour
Compulsions reduce anxiety - reduce anxiety produced by obsession
Avoidance - Avoid situations that trigger anxiety

Question 3

What are cognitive characteristics of OCD?

Answer 3

Obsessive thoughts - Recurring intrusive thoughts that create anxiety
Cognitive coping strategies - helps manage anxiety
Insight into excessive anxiety - aware that obsessions and compulsions are irrational, still experience catastrophic thoughts about worst case scenario that might result if anxieties were to come true
Hyper vigilant - maintain constant attention and alertness on potential hazard to do with their obsession