OCD

• the DSM recognises OCD as a range of related disorders

  all of which experience repetitive behaviour and obsessive thinking

  • OCD
  • Trichotillomania
  • Hoarding disorder
  • Excoriation disorder (skin picking)
• OCD is a disorder characterised by obsessions and/or compulsive behaviour. Obsessions are cognitive, compulsions are behavioural
• Behavioural characteristics of OCD

  • compulsions are repetitive
  • compulsions reduce anxiety - for the majority of people with OCD, compulsive behaviours are done to reduce the anxiety produced by obsessions
  • avoidance - in an attempt to reduce anxiety, they may keep away from situations that trigger their OCD
• Emotional characteristics of OCD

  • anxiety and distress
  • accompanying depression
  • guilt and angst
• Cognitive characteristics of OCD

  • obsessive thoughts
  • cognitive coping strategies - such as praying or meditating
  • insight into excessive anxiety