OCD

Question 1

What is the definition of OCD?

Answer 1

A condition characterized by obsessive and/or compulsive behaviour. Obsessions are cognitive whereas compulsions are behavioural.

Question 2

What are the 2 behavioural characteristics of OCD?

Answer 2

1. Compulsions
2. Avoidance

Question 3

Give information about the behavioural characteristic ‘compulsions’

Answer 3

People feeling compelled to repeat a behaviour, like handwashing, counting, praying, tidying etc.
Compulsions reduce anxiety
Around 10% of people with OCD show only compulsive behaviour (no obsessions)
For the majority, compulsive behaviours are performed in an attempt to manage the anxiety produced by obsessions
For example: Compulsive handwashing is carried out as a response to an obsessive fear of germs

Question 4

Give information on the behavioural characteristic ‘avoidance’

Answer 4

OCD is managed by avoiding situations that trigger anxiety
For example: Those people who have a compulsion to wash may avoid coming in contact with germs. This, however, may mean that they avoid ‘normal’ everyday tasks, such as emptying the bins, which can lead to OCD interfering with regualr life

Question 5

What are the 2 emotional characteristics of OCD?

Answer 5

1. Anxiety and distress
2. Guilt and disgust

Question 6

Give information on the emotional characteristic ‘anxiety and distress’

Answer 6

Obsessive thoughts are unpleasant and frightening, and the anxiety that goes with these can be overwhelming
The urge to repeat the behaviour also creates anxiety

Question 7

Give information on the emotional characteristic ‘guilt and disgust’

Answer 7

OCD sometimes involves other negative emotions such as irrational guilt
These can take on the form of minor moral issues or disgust which can be directed at something external (eg: dirt)

Question 8

What are the 2 cognitive characteristics of OCD?

Answer 8

1. Obsessive thoughts
2. Insight into excessive anxiety

Question 9

Give information on the cognitive characteristic ‘obsessive thoughts’

Answer 9

Around 90% of people with OCD suffer with obsessive thoughts (thoughts that reoccur over and over again)
These vary between person to person but are always unpleasant
For example: worries of being contaminated by dirt/ germs, worries of door being unlocked and an intruder entering, worries of impulses to hurt someone

Question 10

Give information on the cognitive characteristic ‘insight into excessive anxiety’

Answer 10

People with OCD are aware that their obsession and compulsions are irrational
Sufferers experience catastrophic thoughts about the worst case scenarios
They also tend to hypervigilant - maintain constant alertness and keep attention focused on potential hazards