OCD

• definition


  anxiety disorder where anxiety arises from both obsessions and compulsions.

  compulsions are a response to obsessions and the person believes the compulsions will reduce anxiety.
• emotional characteristics


  • obsessions and compulsions are a source of considerable anxiety and distress
  • aware that behaviour is excessive and this causes feelings of embarrassment and shame.
  • feelings of disgust.
• cognitive characteristics


  • recurrent, intrusive thoughts or impulses that are perceived as inappropriate or forbidden.
  • ideas, doubts, impulses, images.
  • uncontrollable
  • excessive/unreasonable
• behavioural characteristics


  • performed to reduce the anxiety created by obsessions.
  • repetitive and unconcealed.
  • may be mental (praying, counting).
  • feel compelled.
  • not connected to obsessions in a reasonable way.