Characteristics

• Behavioural

  • compulsions - external behaviours which are repeatedly preformed to reduce anxiety e.g. cleaning
  • avoid situations that trigger compulsions
• Cognitive

  • obessions - internal processes such as unwanted unpleasant thoughts that are recurring and anxiety producing
  • know their thoughts are irrational, excessive and unreasonable
• Emotional

  • feel anxiety, distress and feel overwhelmed
  • irrational guilt and disgust