obsessive compulsive disorder

what is OCD?

repetitive behaviour (compulsions) accompanied by obsessive thinking (obsessions)

• some people just have one but most have both

what are the behavioural characteristics of OCD?

• compulsions

• avoidance

compulsions

• repetitive behaviours 

• reduce anxiety

  • people carry out compulsions in an attempt to manage the anxiety produced by obsessions

avoidance

sufferers use avoidance in an attempt to reduce anxiety by keeping away from situations that might trigger it 

what are the emotional characteristics of OCD?

• anxiety and distress

• depression

• guilt and disgust

anxiety and distress

obsessive thoughts are unpleasant and frightening, and the anxiety that appears with these can be overwhelming

depression

OCD is often accompanied by depression, so anxiety can be accompanied by low mood and lack of enjoyment in activities

guilt and disgust

OCD can involve irrational guilt or disgust

• irrational guilt is where the sufferer can overthink and dwell on the things they have done

• disgust may be directed towards the obsession or themselves

what are the cognitive characteristics of OCD?

• obsessive thoughts

• cognitive strategies to deal with obsessions

• insight into excessive anxiety

cognitive strategies to deal with obsessions

sufferers respond to obsessive thoughts by adopting cognitive coping strategies, for example meditating 

• this can help keep their minds off the thoughts and manage anxiety, but may distract them from everyday tasks

insight into excessive anxiety

sufferers are aware that their compulsions and obsessions aren’t rational

• however, still experience thoughts about the worst case scenarios that might result if their anxieties were justified

• also tend to be hypervigilant - they maintain constant alertness and keep attention focused on potential hazards

the cycle of OCD

• obsessive thought

  • sufferer has reoccurring unpleasant thoughts about something specific

• anxiety

  • this causes the sufferer great anxiety

• compulsive behaviour

  • sufferer carries out a compulsive behaviour to reduce the anxiety

• temporary relief

  • sufferer feels less anxious for a short time