Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

• obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)


  an anxiety disorder where anxiety arises from both obsessions and compulsions
• obsession 


  a consistent thought which recurs over and over again and creates anxiety (e.g. that germs are everywhere)
• compulsion 


  repetitive behaviours carried out to reduce the anxiety created by obsessions (e.g. repeatedly washing hands to get rid of germs)
• the four categories of OCD recognised by the DSM-5

  1. OCD= characterised by either obsessions and/or compulsions
  2. trichtillomania= compulsive hair pulling
  3. hoarding disorder= the compulsive gathering of possessions and the inability to part with anything, regardless of its value
  4. excoriation disorder= compulsive skin picking
• emotional characteristics

  • anxiety and stress
  • guilt and disgust
  • depression
• behavioural characteristics

  • compulsions
  • avoidance
• cognitive characteristics

  • obsessions
  • cognitive coping strategies
  • aware of excessive anxiety
• anxiety and stress 


  caused by obsessions and compulsions. obsessive thoughts= unpleasant and frightening. urge to repeat a behaviour creates anxiety
• guilt and disgust 


  irrational guilt over minor issues or disgust at something external (e.g. dirt) or themselves
• depression 


  anxiety can lead to low mood and lack of enjoyment in activities
• compulsions 


  repetitive and unconcealed behaviours are completed; they may be physical e.g. hand washing or menta e.g. counting. patients feel the need to complete these behaviours to reduce anxiety caused by obsessions
• avoidance 


  attempt to reduce anxiety by keeping away from situations that trigger it
• obsessions 


  repetitive, unpleasant thoughts (such as germs are everywhere) which are seen as uncontrollable
• cognitive coping strategies 


  to deal with obsessions. e.g. a religious person tormented by obsessive guilt may respond by praying or meditating- may help manage anxiety but can distract from everyday tasks
• aware of excessive anxiety 


  they realise that their thoughts on obsessions and compulsions are excessive or unreasonable