OCD (9)

OCD (1)

OCD - characterised by either obsessions (recurring thoughts, images) and/or compulsion (repetitive behaviours such as handwashing). Most people with a diagnosis of OCD have both obsessions and compulsions

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

Behavioural characteristics of OCD (1)

The behavioural component of OCD is compulsive behaviour. There are 2 elements of compulsive behaviours.

 

Compulsions are repetitive

 

Typically people with OCR feel compelled to repeat a behaviour. A common example is handwashing.

Other common compulsive repetitions include counting, praying and tidying/ordering groups of objects such as CD collections or containers in a food cupboard.

Behavioural characteristics of OCD (2)

Compulsions reduce anxiety

 

Around 10% of people with OCD show compulsive behaviour alone - they have no obsessions, just general sense of irrational anxiety.

 

However, for the vast majority, compulsive behaviours are performed in an attempt to manage the anxiety produced by obsessions.

Compulsive checking is a response to the obsessive thoughts that are left uncertain.

Behavioural characteristics of OCD (3)

Avoidance

 

The behaviour of people with OCD may also be characterised by their avoidance as they attempt to reduce anxiety by keeping away from situations that cause it.

 

People with OCD tend to try to manage their OCD by avoiding situations that cause anxiety.

However this avoidance can lead people to avoid very ordinary situations, such as emptying their rubbish bins, and this can in itself interfere with leading a regular life.

Emotional Characteristics of OCD (1)

Anxiety and distress

 

OCD Is regarded as a particularly unpleasant emotional experience because of the powerful anxiety that accompanies both obsessions and compulsions.

Obsessive thoughts are unpleasant and frightening, and the accompanying anxiety can be overwhelming. The urge to repeat a behaviour (a compulsion) creates anxiety.

Emotional Characteristics of OCD (2)

Accompanying depression

 

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

 

Compulsive behaviour tends to bring some relief from anxiety but this is temporary.

 

Guilt and disgust

 

As well as anxiety and depression, OCD sometimes involves other negative emotions such as irrational guilt, or disgust (in relation to yourself)

 

Cognitive characteristics of OCD (1)

The cognitive approach is concerned with the ways in which people process information.

 

People with OCD are usually plagued with obsessive thoughts but they also adopt cognitive strategies to deal with these.

 

Obsessive thoughts

 

90% of people with OCD face the major cognitive feature of their condition in intrusive thoughts.

 

These vary considerably from person to person but are always unpleasant.

An example aw worries of being contaminated by dirt of germs.

Cognitive characteristics of OCD (2)

Cognitive coping strategies

 

Obsessions are the major cognitive aspect of OCD, but people also respond by adopting cognitive coping strategies to deal with the obsessions.

 

For example a religious person tormented by obsessive guilt may respond by praying or meditating.

This may help to manage anxiety but can make the person appear different from others and distract them from everyday tasks.

Cognitive characteristics of OCD (3)

Insight into excessive anxiety

 

People with OCD are aware that their obsessions and compulsions are not rational.

 

In fact this is necessary for a diagnosis of OCD. If someone really believed their obsessive thoughts were based on reality that would be a symptom of a quite different form of mental health condition.

 

People with OCD experience catastrophic thought about the worst-case scenarios that might result if their anxieties were justified.

They also tend to be hyper-vigilant, they maintain constant alertness and keep attention focused on potential hazards