OCD

• OCD


  ->Obsessive compulsive disorder

  ->characterised by obsessions (recurring thoughts, images, e.t.c) and or compulsions, (repetitive behaviours such as hand washing)

  ->most people with the diagnosis of OCD have both obsessions and compulsions
• what is trichotillomania?


  ->compulsive hair pulling
• what' hoarding disorder?


  ->the compulsive gathering of possession and the inability to part with anything, regardless of the value
• what's excoriation disorder?


  ->compulsive skin picking
• what are the behavioural characteristics of OCD

  ->compulsions are repetitive: they feel compelled to repeat a behaviour

  ->compulsions reduce anxiety: 10% of the sufferers show compulsive behaviour alone and some manage their anxiety by obsessions

  e.g compulsive washing of hands

  ->avoidance: they manage their OCD by trying to keep away from the situation that triggers their compulsions

  e.g they avoid germs
• what are the emotional characteristics of OCD?

  ->anxiety& distress: powerful anxiety accompanies obsessions & compulsions and these thoughts are unpleasant and frightening and the urge to repeat a behaviour (compulsion) creates anxiety

  ->depression: anxiety can be accompanied by low mood and lack and enjoyment in activities temporarily- the compulsive behaviours tends to bring relief

  ->guilt and disgust: triggers negative emotions, over minor moral issues or disgust may be directed against something external like dirt or at their self
• what are the cognitive characteristics of OCD?

  ->obsessive thoughts: 90% of sufferers have obsessive thoughts

  e.g worry of being contaminated by dirt

  ->cognitive coping strategies: they develop coping mechanisms

  e.g, religious person riddle by guilt may turn to prayer (this can make them appear abnormal as they'll be distracted from daily tasks

  ->insight into excessive anxiety: they are always aware that their obsessions and compulsions aren't normal and this is helpful for the diagnosis of OCD otherwise, it's a disorder that's entirely different