characteristics of OCD

what are the DSM-5 categories of OCD

1. OCD - obsessions and or compulsions

2. trichtillomania - compulsive hair pullling 

3. Hoarding disorder - compulsive gathering of possessions and inability to part with

4. excoriation disorder - compulsive skin picking 

what are the three behavioural characteristics of OCD

1. compulsions are repetitive

2. compulsions reduce anxiety

3. avoidance

explain compulsions are repetitive

• typically suffered feel compelled to repeat behaviours

• e.g hand washing or reordering groups of objects in a cupboard

explain compulsions reduce anxiety

• around 10% only show compulsive behaviour no obsessions

• vast majority of behaviours are performed in an attempt to manage the anxiety produced by obsessions

• e.g. obsessive hand washing is carried out as a response to obsessive fear of germs

• compulsive checking e.g. that the door is locked is in response to the obsessive thought that it might have been left unsecured 

explain avoidance

• suffered attempt to reduce anxiety by keeping away from situations that trigger it 

• e.g. suffered who wash compulsively may avoid coming into contact with germs, however this can lead to people avoiding very ordinary situations

what are the emotional characteristics of OCD

1. anxiety and stress

2. accompanying depression

3. guilt and disgust 

explain anxiety and stress

• accompanies both compulsions and obsessions 

• thoughts can be frightening and the anxiety can be overwhelming 

• urge to repeat behaviour creates anxiety

explain accompanying depression

• anxiety can be accompanied by low mood and lack of enjoyment in activities 

• compulsive behaviour tends to bring some relief from anxiety but this is temporary 

explain guilt and disgust 

• often involves other negative emotions such as irrational guilt over minor issues

what are the cognitive characteristics

1. obsessive thoughts

2. cognitive strategies to deal with obsessions

3. insight into excessive anxiety

explain obsessive thoughts

• for around 90% of suffered this is the major cognitive feature

• these thoughts vary from person to person but are always unpleasant

• examples are worrying about a door being left open

explain cognitive strategies to deal with obsessions

• for example a religious person tormented by obsessive guilt may respond by praying or meditating

• this can help person manage the anxiety but can make the person appear abnormal and distract them from everyday tasks

explain insight into excessive anxiety

• sufferers are aware their obsessions and compulsions are not rational - necessary for diagnosis

• tend to be hyper vigilant - maintain constant alertness