OCD

Question 1

OCD:

Answer 1

A condition characterised by obsessions and or compulsive behaviour.

Question 2

Behavioural characteristics of OCD: Compulsions

Answer 2

1. Compulsions are repetitive: They feel compelled to repeat a behaviour. Hand washing, counting and praying.
2. Compulsions reduce anxiety: Around 10% of sufferers of OCD show compulsive behaviour alone. No obsessions, just irrational anxiety. Majority perform compulsive behaviours in an attempt to manage the anxiety produced by obsessions. Compulsive hand washing, response to obsessive fear of germs. Checking the door because it is unlocked.

Question 3

Behavioural characteristics of OCD: Avoidance

Answer 3

1. Their avoidance as they attempt to reduce anxiety by keeping away from situations that trigger it.
2. Sufferers who wash compulsively may avoid coming into contact with germs.
3. This avoidance can lead people avoiding ordinary situations, such as emptying their bins.

Question 4

Emotional characteristics of OCD

Answer 4

1. Anxiety and distress: Powerful anxiety that accompanies that accompanies both obsessions and compulsions. The urge to repeat a behaviour creates anxiety.
2. Accompanying depression: Low mood and lack of enjoyment in activities. Compulsive behaviour tends to bring some relief from anxiety but this is temporary.
3. Guilt or disgust: Irrational guilt over minor moral issues. Disgust which may be directed against something external like dirt or at the self.

Question 4

Cognitive characteristics of OCD:

Answer 4

1. Obsessive thoughts: Recurring thoughts. Worry about germs or that intruder will enter through an unlocked door.
2. Cognitive strategies to deal with obsessions: Adopt cognitive coping strategies. Religious person tormented by guilt may respond by praying. Distracts them from everyday tasks.
3. Insight into excessive anxiety: They are ware that their obsessions and compulsions are not rational, necessary for a diagnosis. In spite of this insight, they experience catastrophic thoughts about worse case scenarios that might result if their anxieties were justified. They tend to be hypervigilant.