Subjective experience OCD

Question 1

Compulsions as goal directed

Answer 1

Patients report that the purpose of their compulsion is to avoid an aversive/dangerous event/situation.

Sometimes straightforward (like hand washing for contamination), sometimes not related to obsession.

In other cases its to get relief from anxiety

*Self-report so sensitive for cognitive dissonance

Question 2

Cognitive dissonance theory

Answer 2

Unpleasant tension that arises if beliefs are in conflict with behaviour. You feel strong urge to reduce this by modifying/rationalising behaviour or beliefs.

Question 3

COD account

Answer 3

Obsessions can arise as a post hoc rationalisation of otherwise inexplicable compulsive urges to resolve cognitive dissonance

Question 4

Egodystonic

Answer 4

Thoughts and compulsions are not in line; symptoms don’t belong to them. This contrasts with COPD and anorexia (Egosyntonic). This awareness is critique for compulsions as goal directed.

Also, the relief is very short and cause more distress

Question 5

Compulsions as habits

Answer 5

Patients report that they sometimes suddenly start compulsions without realising.

It’s also sometimes reported that symptoms temporarily diminish in new environment.