Compulsive behaviour- compulsions are repetitive and they feel compelled to repeat a behaviour, comulsions reduce anxiety as 10% of those with OCD show compulsive behaviour alone (no obsessions just irrational anxiety but for the majority these behaviours are in attempt to manage the anxiety produced by the obsessions
Avoidance- an attempt to reduce triggers by staying away from it but this can interfere with everyday life
Emotional Characteristics
Anxiety and distress- obsessive thoughts are unpleasant and frightening and so that anxiety that goes with them can be overwhelming, the urge to repeat a behaviour creates anxiety
Accompanying depression - low mood and lack of enjoyment in activities
Guilt and disgust - can involve irrational guilt over minor issues or disgust which may directed at something like dirt or themselves
Cognitive characteristics
Obsessive thoughts - for 90% of OCD sufferers it's the major cognitive characteristic which may vary from person to person but are very unpleasant like intrusive thoughts
Cognitive strategies to deal with obsessiveness - prayer or meditation may help with anxiety but can seem abnormal to others and distract them from normal life
Insight into obsessive anxiety - they are aware that their obsessions are irrational
