BEC characteristics

• OCD is an anxiety disorder characterised by obsessions and compulsions.

  • DSM IV classified it as an anxiety disorder
  • An obsession involves thoughts whereas compulsions involve acting on our thoughts
  • About 2% of population suffer from this
  • There are no gender differences, but there is a gender difference in the onset of OCD with males having an earlier and more gradual onset, with more severe symptoms than females
• Behavioural characteristics

  • repetitive compulsions - sufferers feel compelled to repeat behaviours, e.g. handwashing, counting, tidying
  • hindering everyday functioning - obsessive ideas and performing repetitive behaviours can interfere with leading a normal life, e.g. being able to work effectively
• Emotional characteristics

  • extreme anxiety - powerful anxiety accompanies both obsessions and compulsions
  • distress - a lack of control over compulsions can lead to strong feelings of distress
• Cognitive characteristics

  • obsessive thoughts - persistent, recurrent, unpleasant thoughts - 90% sufferers have this, e.g. germs lurk everywhere
  • realisation of inappropriateness - most sufferers understand their obsessions and compulsions are irrational but cannot consciously control them