Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

• Insight into excessive anxiety (Cognitive characteristics of OCD)

  Sufferers aware their obsessions and compulsions are not rational but they experience catastrophic thoughts about the worse case scenarios that might cause anxiety
• Cognitive strategies to deal with obsessions (Cognitive characteristics of OCD)

  Religious person may respond to obsessive guilt by praying/meditating which can help manage anxiety but person may appear abnormal and distract people from everyday tasks
• Obsessive thoughts (Cognitive characteristics of OCD)

  90% of sufferers experience obsessive thoughts. This varies from person to person but are always unpleasant
• Guilt and disgust (Emotional characteristics of OCD)

  OCD can include negative emotions like irrational guilt over for example, minor moral issues, disgust is felt
• Accompanying depression (Emotional characteristics of OCD)

  OCD often accompanied by depression so anxiety can be matched to low moods/lack of enjoyment. Compulsive behaviours bring temporary relief from anxiety
• Anxiety and distress (Emotional characteristics of OCD)

  Particularly unpleasant emotional experience due to powerful anxiety accompanying both obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are frightening and unpleasant
• Avoidance (Behavioural characteristics of OCD)

  Sufferers may be characterised by their avoidance as they attempt to reduce anxiety by keeping away from situations that trigger it. Can have implications on person's life and interfere leading a normal life
• Compulsions reduce anxiety (Behavioural characteristics of OCD)


  Around 10% of sufferers of OCD show compulsive behaviours alone- no obsessions but irrational anxiety. Vast majority of compulsive behaviours performed to manage anxiety in obsessions. E.g. Compulsive hand washing is a response to an obsessive fear of germs
• Compulsions are repetitive (Behavioural characteristics of OCD)


  Sufferers of OCD feel compelled to repeat a behaviour like hand washing, praying or tidying
• Excoriation disorder (DSM-5 Categories of OCD)

  Compulsive skin picking
• Hoarding disorder (DSM-5 Categories of OCD)

  The compulsive gathering of possessions and the inability to part with anything, regardless of its value
• Trichotillomania (DSM-5 Categories of OCD)

  Compulsive hair pulling
• OCD (DSM-5 Categories of OCD)

  Characterised by either obsessions (recurring thoughts) and/or compulsions (repetitive behaviours) . Most people with OCD have both