OCD

Question 1

What is OCD?

Answer 1

A condition characterized by obsessions and/or compulsive behaviour

Question 2

What are the three behavioural characteristics of OCD ?

Answer 2

• compulsions as repetitive
• compulsions reduce anxiety
• avoidance

Question 3

Describe repetitive compulsions

Answer 3

• Sufferers are compelled to repeat behaviour as a response to their obsessive thoughts (praying, hand washing)

Question 4

Describe anxiety reduction through compulsions

Answer 4

• Compulsive behaviours are performed in attempt to manage the anxiety produced by obsessions
• hand washing as a result of an obsessive fear of germs

Question 5

Describe avoidance OCD

Answer 5

• Sufferers of OCD tend to try manage their OCD by avoiding situations that trigger anxiety (not coming into contact with germs)

Question 6

What are the three emotional characteristics of OCD?

Answer 6

• anxiety & distress
• guilt and disgust
• accompanying depression

Question 7

Describe anxiety & distress

Answer 7

• obsessive thoughts are unpleasant and frightening, causing overwhelming anxiety
• compulsions may also create anxiety

Question 8

Describe accompanying depression

Answer 8

• Anxiety accompanied by low mood and and lack of enjoyment in activities

Question 9

Describe guilt and disgust

Answer 9

• Irrational guilt involved over minor moral issue
• disgust which may be directed against something external or to self

Question 10

What are three cognitive characteristics of OCD?

Answer 10

• obsessive thoughts
• insight into excessive anxiety
• cognitive coping strategies

Question 11

Describe obsessive thoughts

Answer 11

• unpleasant thoughts that are recurring
  (certain that door is left unlocked )

Question 12

Describe cognitive coping strategies

Answer 12

• Adopted to help with dealing with obsessions and manage anxiety
  e.g. religious person tormented by guilt may respond by praying or meditating

Question 13

Describe insight into excessive anxiety

Answer 13

• Sufferers are aware that their obsession and compulsions are not rational
• tend to be hyper vigilant > maintain constant alertness