Characteristics of OCD

• The three behavioural characteristics of OCD are : Repetitive compulsions, anxiety and avoidance
• Repetitive compulsions is the most prominent feature of OCD.
• Avoidance refers to behaviours designed to prevent exposure to feared stimuli or situations.
• Anxiety is an emotional response to perceived threat or danger that can be physical (e.g., heart palpitations) or psychological (e.g., fear).
• The three emotional characteristics of OCD are : Guilt and disgust , accompanying depression , anxiety and distress
• The three cognitive characteristics of OCD are : Obsessive thoughts, cognitive strategies , insight into excessive anxiety
• Insight into excessive anxiety involves recognizing that one's fears are irrational but being unable to control them.
• Cognitive strategies include mental rituals such as counting, repeating phrases, or engaging in mental imagery to neutralize obsessions.
• Obsessions refer to intrusive, unwanted, repetitive thoughts, images, impulses, or urges that cause significant distress or interfere with daily functioning.