lesson 10 - OCD characteristics

what constitutes OCD

a disorder marked by uncontrollable and recurring thoughts (obsessions), repetitive and excessive behaviours (compulsions), or both

behavioural characteristics of OCD

• compulsions - repetitive behaviours or mental acts performed to reduce the anxiety caused by obsessions, even if they provide only temporary relief

• avoidance - attempting to reduce anxiety by keeping away from situations that trigger it

emotional characteristics of OCD

• anxiety - intense discomfort, distress, or fear triggered by obsessive thoughts. it drives the urge to perform compulsions in an attempt to relieve the distress, even though the relief is usually temporary

• accompanying depression - low mood and lack of enjoyment in activities

• guilt and disgust - irrational guilt, feeling one has done something wrong even when that is not the case. intense feelings of disgust, e.g., dirt. feelings of disgust against oneself are also possible

cognitive characteristics of OCD

• obsessions -persistent, recurring, unwanted, and distressing thoughts, images, or urges that cause anxiety

• cognitive coping strategies - mental technique used to manage stress, anxiety, or distressing thoughts, e.g. counting - silently or mentally counting in a structured way (e.g. counting to 10 or backward from 100) to refocus the mind and create a sense of control, or prayer or mantras - reciting a comforting prayer, affirmation, or mantra to provide reassurance and shift focus away from obsessive thoughts

• hypervigilance - constant alertness

• insight into excessive anxiety - awareness that obsessive thoughts are irrational and unrealistic

describe the cycle of OCD

the repeating pattern that maintains obsessive-compulsive disorder. it typically follows four stages:

1. obsession – an intrusive, distressing thought, image, or urge.

2. anxiety / distress – the obsession causes intense fear, anxiety, or discomfort.

3. compulsion – the person engages in a repetitive behaviour to relieve the anxiety.

4. temporary relief – the compulsion provides short-term relief, but the brain learns that the obsession was "dangerous" and that compulsions are necessary, reinforcing the cycle