CHARACTERISTICS

• What are the behavioural characteristics of OCD?

  COMPULSIONS - repetitive behaviours that the person feels compelled to do

  AVOIDANCE - attempt at reducing anxiety by staying away from situations that trigger it
• What are the emotional characteristics of OCD?

  ANXIETY & DISTRESS - emotions caused by unpleasant thoughts

  GUILT - may feel irrationally guilty about their behaviour

  DISGUST - may feel disgusted by themselves or their surroundings
• What are the cognitive characteristics of OCD?

  OBSESSIONS - intrusive, unpleasant thoughts that occur over and over again

  AWARENESS - they know their obsessions and compulsions are irrational but they are unable to control them