OCD characteristics

• behavioural characteristics:

  • compulsions are repetitive:
  • actions carries out repeatedly in a ritualistic way, eg hand washing
  • compulsions reduce anxiety:
  • anxiety may be created by obsessions, or just anxiety alone
  • avoidance:
  • OCD is managed by avoiding situations that trigger anxiety, eg avoid rubbish bins because they have germs
• emotional characteristics:

  • anxiety and distress:
  • obsessive thoughts are unpleasant and frightening
  • and the anxiety that goes with these can be overwhelming
  • depression:
  • low mood and lack of enjoyment
  • guilt and disgust:
  • irrational guilt (eg over a minor moral issues)
  • or disgust which is directed towards oneself or something external like dirt
• cognitive characteristics:

  • obsessive thoughts:
  • ~90% of people with OCD have recurring intrusive thoughts, eg about being contaminated by dirt or germs
  • cognitive coping strategies:
  • some people with OCD use strategies to cope, eg meditation
  • insight into excessive anxiety:
  • awareness that thoughts and behaviour are irrational
  • may have catastrophic thoughts and be hypervigilant