OCD

• OCD (obsesive compulsive disorder):

  • has two parts - obsessions and compulsions. These are linked together. obsession about catching germs leads to compulsions about constantly need to wash hands
  • obsessions are the cognitive aspect where as compulsions are the behavioural aspect and OCD also has an emotional aspect
  • affects 2% of world population and develops in late teens and early 20s. occurs equally in men and women and think groups
• Obsessions are the cognitive part of the disorder - they are intrusive and persistent thoughts, images and impulses. They are the internal aspect of OCD.
• Criteria for throughs to be obsessions:

  • persistent and reoccurring thoughts, images or impulses that are unwanted and cause distress. e.g though left door unlocked and burglars are rampaging around house
  • person actively tries to ignore thoughts, images or impulses but cannot
  • obsession have not been caused by other physiological substances, such as drugs
• compulsions -

  • psychical or mental repetitive actions. external aspect of OCD
  • e.g checking door locked 9 times or repeating a certain phrase or prayer to neutralise and unwanted thought
  • action only reduces anxiety caused by obsession for short period of time which means obsession starts up again
• diagnostic criteria for compulsions:

  1. repeats physical behaviour or mental acts that are related to an obsessions
  2. compulsion meant to reduce anxiety or prevent feared situation - in reality they are excessive or would not actually stop dreaded situation
  3. compulsion have not been caused by other physiological substances such as drugs
• obsessions and compulsions diagnostic criteria:

  last at least on hour each day which is an indication of a clinical case of OCD

  or interfere with a person's ability to maintain a relationship, hold down a job or take part in social activities