clinical characteristics

• • obsessive compulsive disorder is classified as an anxiety disorder
  • typically begins at an early age
  • made of two components:
  • obsessions - persistent thoughts
  • compulsions - persistent behaviours
  • compulsions are often a response to obsessions, and the sufferer believes that the compulsions will reduce anxiety
• cognitive characteristics

  • obsessions - recurring/intrusive thoughts/impulses perceived as inappropriate/forbidden
  • may be frightening/embarrassing they dont want to share with others
• further cognitive characteristics

  • common obsessional themes include:
  • ideas - germs everywhere
  • doubts - something important has been overlooked
  • impulses - to shout out obscenities
  • images - fleeting sexual images
  • these thoughts seen as uncontrollable = creates anxiety
  • person recognises the impulses are a product of their own mind
• behavioural characteristics

  • compulsions are performed to reduce anxiety created by obsessions
  • repetitive + concealed
  • must feel the need to perform these actions
  • behaviours are not connected in any realistic way with what they are designed to prevent or neutralise
  • some have compulsive behaviours without obsessions
• emotional characteristics

  • both obsessions + compulsions are a source of considerable anxiety + distress
  • sufferers are aware that their behaviour is excessive = causes feelings of embarrassment and shame
  • a common obsessions concerns germs = feelings of disgust