OCD characteristics

• What are two behavioural characteristics of OCD?

  Compulsions

  Avoidance
• What are compulsions?


  Repetitive behaviors driven by anxiety.
• Give an example of a compulsion.

  Hand washing.
• How do compulsions help reduce anxiety?

  By providing temporary relief from obsessive thoughts.
• What is avoidance in OCD?

  Avoiding situations that trigger anxiety.
• Give an example of avoidance in OCD.

  Avoiding taking the bin out due to germs.
• What are three emotional characteristics of OCD?

  Anxiety and distress, accompanying depression, guilt and disgust
• How do obsessive thoughts cause distress?

  By creating worry and anxiety.
• What is the relationship between OCD and depression?


  Some people with OCD also experience depression.
• What negative emotions can OCD create?

  Guilt and disgust.
• What are three cognitive characteristics of OCD?

  Obsessive thoughts, cognitive strategies to deal with obsessions, insight into excessive anxiety
• What are obsessive thoughts?


  Repeated unpleasant thoughts.
• Give an example of an obsessive thought.

  Thinking that a door has been unlocked and an intruder will break in.
• What are cognitive strategies to deal with obsessions?

  Coping strategies to reduce anxiety.
• Give an example of a cognitive strategy to deal with obsessions.

  A religious person praying to reduce feelings of guilt.
• Do people with OCD have insight into their excessive anxiety?

  Yes, they know their obsessions and compulsions are irrational.