OCD

• Cognitive characteristics are based on how people think.
• Behavioural characteristics are based on the way people act.
• Emotional characteristics are based on how people feel.
• Behavioural characteristics of OCD include compulsions (repetitive behaviours) which interfere with everyday life.
• Emotional characteristics of OCD include anxiety/ distress, embarrassment and disgust.
• Cognitive characteristics of OCD include obsessions which are intrusive and dominating, irrational thoughts and hyper-vigilance.
• DSM recognises OCD as having repetitive behaviours and obsessive thinking.
• Compulsions are behavioural characteristics of OCD.
• Compulsions reduce anxiety in people with OCD.
• People with OCD will avoid situations that cause them distress or anxiety.
• Extreme feelings of anxiety are emotional characteristics of OCD.
• Feeling guilty or embarrassed is an emotional characteristic of OCD.
• Obsessive thoughts are cognitive characteristics of OCD.
• Ruminating thoughts are cognitive characteristics of OCD.
• Compulsions help people with OCD ease their symptoms.