Behavioural characteristics of OCD

• • Compulsions are repetitive- patients feel compelled to repeat a behaviours e.g handwashing, praying and tidying/ordering
• • Compulsions reduce anxiety-behaviours are performed in an attempt to manage the anxiety produced by obsessions e.g handwashing is carried out as a response to an obsessions fear of germs
• • Avoidance- Patients try to manage it by avoiding situations that trigger anxiety, however it can lead to avoid ordinary situations