Characteristics

• OCD


  A condition characterised by obsessions and/or compulsive behaviour
• DSM-5 characteristics of OCD


  • Obsessions - recurring thoughts and images
  • Compulsions - repetitive behaviours e.g. hand washing
• Types of OCD


  • Trichotillomania - Compulsive hair pulling
  • Excoriation disorder - Compulsive skin pulling
• Behavioural characteristics of OCD

  1. Compulsions are repetitive

  2. Compulsions reduce anxiety

  3. Avoidance
• Compulsions reduce anxiety


  Around 10% of individuals who suffer from OCD show only compulsive behaviour, no obsessive thought. However, the vast majority feel the need to carry out compulsive behaviour to reduce the anxiety produced by compulsive thoughts. The repetition of that behaviour is often justified as it reduces irrational anxiety.
• Avoidance


  They tend to avoid situations which may trigger their OCD. This avoidance may lead to people to avoid everyday situations.
• Emotional characteristics of OCD


  • Anxiety and distress
  • Accompanying depression
  • Guilt and disgust
• Anxiety and distress


  There is powerful anxiety which accompanies obsessions and compulsions. Obsessive thoughts are often unpleasant and frightening. The urge to repeat a behaviour leads to anxiety.
• Accompanying depression


  OCD accompanied by depression. Lowered mood and lack of enjoyment on activities.
• Guilt and disgust


  Irrational guilt over minor moral issues or disgust which they may direct at something external.
• Cognitive characteristics of OCD


  • Obsessive thoughts
  • Cognitive strategies to deal with obsession
  • Insight into excessive anxiety
  • Hypervigilant
• Obsessive thoughts


  Thoughts which recur over and over. A major cognitive aspect of OCD. Present in 90% of OCD sufferers. Vary from person to person. Always unpleasant.
• Cognitive strategies to deal with obsession


  People respond to compulsions by adopting coping strategies like praying or meditating. Helps manage anxiety but make them appear abnormal or distract them of tasks.
• Insight into excessive anxiety


  Sufferers of OCD aware that their obsession and compulsions are not rational/normal. They experience catastrophic thoughts about worst case scenarios that may occur if their anxieties were justified.