OCD

• outline OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder)

  -classified as an anxiety disorder

  -characterised by either obsessions and/or compulsions

  -obsessions are cognitive and compulsions are behavioural
• Define obsessions


  -recurring and persistent thoughts or impulses that cause anxiety
• how does the DSM classify obsessions


  -persistent and recurring thoughts and impulses that are unwanted and cause distress

  -person tries to actively ignore thoughts but is unable to

  -obsessions have not been caused by any other physiological substances such as drugs
• define compulsion

  -repetitive behaviours designed to relieve anxiety
• how does the DSM diagnose compulsions


  -person repeats behaviour that relates to obsession

  -compulsions are meant to reduce anxiety or prevent feared situation when in reality they are excessive

  -compulsions are not caused by other physiological substances such as drugs
• How does the DSM diagnose clinical cases of OCD

  -o's or c's last for at least one hour each day

  -if the o's and c's interfere with a person's ability to maintain a relationship hold down a job or take part in social activities
• outline the OCD cycle

  -obsessive thought->anxiety->compulsive behaviour->temporary relief
• outline the common types of OCD


  -Checking (lights are off)

  -contamination(fear of catching germs)

  -hoarding(keeping useless or worn out objects)

  -symmetry and orderliness(tins of food all facing the same way)
• outline cognitive characteristics of OCD


  -Obsessive thoughts that are unwanted and persistent

  -cognitive strategies(e.g religious obsessions may include to praying over and over

  -selective attention(directed towards the anxiety generating stimuli)
• outline behavioural characteristics of OCD


  -compulsions (compelled to repeat a behaviour to relieve anxiety)

  -avoidance (attempting to avoid anxiety triggering situations)
• outline emotional characteristics of OCD


  -Anxiety and distress (compulsions only give temporary relief from high anxiety)

  -accompanying depression

  -guilt and disgust(irrational guilt at minor details and disgust at onself and external details)