OCD

• OCD (DSM-5 categories)

  A condition characterised by obsessions and/or compulsive behaviour

  Trichotillomania- compulsive hair pulling

  Hoarding disorder- the compulsive gathering of possessions, and the inability to part with anything, regardless of value

  Excoriation disorder- compulsive skin picking
• Behavioural characteristics of OCD

  Compulsions:

  1. are repetitive- E.g., handwashing, counting and praying
  2. reduce anxiety- hand washing is a response to obsessive fear of germs.

  Avoidance- reduce anxiety by keeping away from situations that trigger it. Avoid ordinary situations- interfere with leading a normal life
• Emotional characteristics of OCD

  Anxiety and distress- obsessive thoughts are unpleasant and frightening. The urge to repeat the behaviour (a compulsion) creates anxiety.

  Accompanying depression- anxiety accompanied by low mood. Compulsion brings some relief.

  Guilt and disgust- irrational guilt over minor moral issues or disgust, directed at something external (dirt) or the self
• Cognitive characteristics of OCD

  Obsessive thoughts- major cognitive feature for 90%. Thoughts are recurring. E.g., worries of being contaminated by germs.

  Cognitive strategies to deal with obsessions- guilty religious person may pray. Can help manage anxiety but can be seen as abnormal and distract from everyday tasks

  Insight to excessive anxiety- sufferers are aware obsessions/compulsions are irrational but experience catastrophic thoughts of worst case scenarios that justify their anxiety. Also hypervigilant- alert of hazards