OCD (characteristics)

Question 1

name the 3 behavioural characteristics of OCD

Answer 1

1. compulsions are repetitive
2. compulsions reduce anxiety
3. avoidance

Question 2

behavioural characteristics of OCD: compulsions are repetitive

Answer 2

• feel compelled to repeat behaviour
• eg. handwashing, counting, praying

Question 3

behavioural characteristics of OCD: compulsions reduce anxiety

Answer 3

• for most, compulsive behaviours are performed to manage anxiety produced by obsessions
• eg. compulsive handwashing is a response to obsessive fear of germs

Question 4

behavioural characteristics of OCD: avoidance

Answer 4

• attempt to reduce anxiety by avoiding situations which trigger it
• can lead people to avoid ordinary situations = intefere with regular life

Question 5

name the 3 emotional characteristics of OCD

Answer 5

1. anxiety & distress
2. accompanying depression
3. guilt & disgust

Question 6

emotional characteristics of OCD: anxiety & distress

Answer 6

• powerful anxiety that accompanies compulsions/obsessions
• obsessive thoughts are unpleasant & frightening
• urge to repeat behaviour produces anxiety

Question 7

emotional characteristics of OCD: accompanying depression

Answer 7

• OCD often accompanied by depression
• low mood & lack of enjoyment in activities
• compulsive behaviour relieves some of anxiety temporarily

Question 8

emotional characteristics of OCD: guilt & disgust

Answer 8

• involves negative emotions
• eg. irrational guilt over minor moral issues
• eg. disgust directed at something external (dirt) or self

Question 9

name the 3 cognitive characteristics of OCD

Answer 9

1. obsessive thoughts
2. cognitive coping strategies
3. insight into excessive anxiety

Question 10

cognitive characteristics of OCD: obsessive thoughts

Answer 10

• vary person to person
• always unpleasant
• eg. worries about being contaminated by dirt/germs, impulses to hurt someone

Question 11

cognitive characteristics of OCD: cognitive coping strategies

Answer 11

• adopt cognitive coping strategies to deal with obsessions
• may help manage anxiety but can make person appear abnormal & distract them from everyday tasks
• eg. religious person tormented by obsessive guilt so meditates/prays daily

Question 12

cognitive characteristics of OCD: insight into excessive anxiety

Answer 12

• those with OCD know compulsions/obsessions are not rational
• however, they still experience thoughts about worst case scenarios which may result if anxieties were justified
• often hypervigilant (constant alertness & focused on potential hazards)