Characteristics of OCD

• Cognitive:

  • Obsessions (recurrent thoughts/images that are distressing and persistent)
  • Knowledge that these obsessive thoughts are irrational
  • Catastrophising around their OCD, e.g. 'i will die if i do not wash my hands'
• Emotional:

  • Anxiety and fear
  • Depression
  • Feelings of disgust or guilt towards themselves
• Behavioural:

  • Compulsions (repetetive behaviours/acts whic temporarily relieve the anxiety of the obsessions)
  • Avoidance is a key characteristic of OCD. Someone with OCD is likely to try and avoid situations that may trigger their obsessive thoughts