OCD

• An anxiety disorder 😯 when anxiety arises from obsessions and compulsions. Compulsions are a response to obsessions and the person believes the compulsions will reduce anxiety
• Cognitive characteristics

  • Constant obsessions or intrusive thoughts/impulses. These may be embarrassing, inappropriate 😧 or frightening
  • Commonly, obsessions over germs being everywhere and constantly doubting or inappropriate impulses
  • Someone with OCD eventually recognises their compulsions are excessive, knowing it is a product of their mind 😉
• Emotional characteristics

  Obsessions and compulsions cause considerable anxiety and distress

  Sufferers are aware their behaviour is excessive and this causes embarrassment and shame 😞

  Commonly, people obsess over germs, increasing feelings of disgust
• Behavioural characteristics

  Compulsive behaviour, to reduce anxiety created by obsessions. These compulsions are repetitive e.g. constantly washing hands

  Patients feel the must complete ✅ these actions or something dreadful will happen to them, creating anxiety

  These compulsions are not 🚫 realistically connected to prevent the obsessions and are clearly excessive
• In 2009, 1.6% of UK citizens reportedly had OCD. This means about one or two in a group of 100