4. OCD

• 1. OCD

  Repeated thoughts, feelings, behaviours (obsessions) drive OCD sufferer to act on it (compulsion).

  • Acting on it rid obsessive thoughts = temporary relief.
  • Severe = ruins ability to function normally.
• 2. OCD

  Behavioural Characteristics:

  • Compulsions - repetitive, feel compelled repeat certain behaviour; reduces/manages anxiety.
  • Avoidance - mechanism reduces anxiety, stay away from trigger; interferes w/ healthy life.
• 3. OCD

  Emotional Characteristics:

  • Anxiety + Distress - urge to repeat causes anxiety; obsessive thoughts causes distress (frightening).
  • Guilt + Disgust - irrationality in both feelings to accompany obsessive thoughts.
  • Depression - low mood, lack pleasure.
• 4. OCD

  Cognitive Characteristics:

  • Obsessive Thoughts - 90% experience it; fears/moral debate = distressing.
  • Cognitive Strategies - coping mechanisms, manage anxiety, seen as abnormal.
  • Insight - aware thoughts/behaviours irrational; essential for diagnosis; despite understanding, still predict worst case scenario.