Characteristics

• OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)

  condition characterised by obsessions and compulsive behaviour
• Behavioural Characteristics of OCD

  Repetitive compulsions - feel compelled to repeat behaviours

  Reduce anxiety - compulsive behaviours attempt to manage anxiety from obsessions

  Avoidance - keeping away from triggering situations which can interfere with life
• Emotional Characteristics of OCD

  Anxiety and Distress - obsessive thoughts are scary and umpleasant and compulsions create anxiety

  Depression - anxiety can be accompanied by low mood an lack of enjoyment

  Guilt and Disgust - irrational guilt over minor issues or disgust over yourself or objects
• Cognitive characteristics of OCD

  Obsessive thoughts - thoughts that reoccur over and over again

  Cognitive coping strategies - help to manage anxiety but can make them appear abnormal to others

  Insight in to excessive activity - aware their thoughts are irrational