Characteristics of OCD

• What are the main behavioral characteristics of OCD?

  Compulsions and avoidance behavior
• What are the main components of compulsions in OCD?

  • Repetitive and intrusive thoughts
  • Centered around a stimulus
  • Reduce anxiety by acting on those thoughts
• How does avoidance behavior function in OCD?

  • Negatively reinforced behavior
  • Avoids stimuli causing anxiety
  • Reduces need for compulsive behaviors
• What emotional characteristics are associated with OCD?

  Guilt, disgust, depression, and anxiety
• How does depression relate to OCD?

  • Result of constant compulsive behaviors
  • Interferes with daily functioning
  • Creates frustration and hopelessness
• What are the cognitive characteristics of OCD?

  Acknowledgment of excessive anxiety and intrusive thoughts
• How do cognitive strategies help manage OCD symptoms?

  • Use of specific behaviors (e.g., hand sanitizers)
  • Mental rituals developed to cope
  • Provide temporary relief but reinforce OCD cycle
• What role does anxiety play in OCD?

  Anxiety is linked to irrational obsessive thoughts
• How do compulsions function in OCD?

  • Repetitive behaviors or mental acts
  • Performed in response to obsessive thoughts
  • Intended to reduce anxiety or prevent feared events
• Why is guilt a characteristic of OCD?

  Guilt stems from awareness of irrational compulsions
• How are intrusive thoughts linked to OCD?

  • Unwanted, repetitive, and distressing
  • Focused on specific stimuli
  • Generate anxiety leading to compulsive behaviors