OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER (OCD)

• BEHAVIOURAL 


  • Compulsions and repetitive =

  Actions carried out repeatedly in a ritualistic way, e.g handwashing.

  • Compulsions reduce anxiety =

  Anxiety may be created by obsessions, or just anxiety alone.

  • Avoidance =

  OCD is managed by avoiding situations that trigger anxiety, e.g avoid rubbish bins because they have germs. 
• EMOTIONAL 


  • Anxiety and distress =

  Obsessive thoughts are unpleasant and frightening, and the anxiety that goes with these can be overwhelming. 

  • Depression =

  Low mood and lack of enjoyment.

  • Guilt and disgust =

  Irrational guilt, e.g over a minor moral issue, or disgust which is directed towards oneself or something external like dirt. 
• COGNITIVE 


  • Obsessive thoughts =

  About 90% of people with OCD have recurring intrusive thoughts e.g about being contaminated by dirt or germs. 

  • Cognitive coping strategies =

  Some people with OCD use strategies to cope, e.g meditation.

  • Insight into excessive anxiety =

  Awareness that thoughts and behaviour are irrational. May have catastrophic thoughts and be hypervigilant.