Characteristics of OCD

What is the definition of OCD?

A condition characterised by obsessions and/or compulsive behaviour 

What is the behavioural component of OCD?

Compulsions

How many elements are there to compulsive behaviours?

2

What are the two elements to compulsive behaviour?

• Repetitive

• Reduce anxiety

What would be an example of a repetitive compulsion?

• Hand washing

• Counting

• Praying

• Tidying/ordering groups of objects

What percentage of people with OCD show compulsive behaviour alone?

10%

What might people who show compulsive behaviour alone have in place of obsessions?

Irrational anxiety

Why do compulsions work for people with obsessions?

They help to reduce the anxiety associated with the obsessions

Give an example of how compulsions reduce anxiety

Compulsive hand washing is carried out as a response to an obsessive fear of germs

What is another behavioural characteristic associated with OCD?

Avoidance

Why might someone with OCD perform avoidance behaviours?

It helps to reduce anxiety by keeping away from situations that trigger it

Give an example of avoidance behaviour for someone with OCD

Suffers who wash compulsively may avoid coming into contact with germs

How is avoidance problematic for people with OCD?

It can lead to people avoiding very ordinary situations (e.g. emptying the rubbish bins), which can interfere with leading a normal life

What term is used for when a behaviour starts to interfere with a person’s life (e.g. in the case of avoidance behaviours) ?

Maladaptive

What are three emotional characteristics of OCD?

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Guilt/disgust

What are 2 reasons why obsessions might create anxiety?

• They are unpleasant and frightening

• The urge to repeat the compulsion creates anxiety

What might be the implications of depression for someone with OCD?

• Low mood

• Lack of enjoyment in activities (anhedonia)

What is the time period over which compulsions provide relief for an individual?

Temporary

Give an example of guilt that a person with OCD might have

Irrational guilt over minor moral issues

Give an example of disgust that a person with OCD might have

Disgust at dirt or oneself

What is the major cognitive characteristic of OCD?

Obsessions

What percentage of people with OCD suffer from obsessive thoughts?

90%

What is an obsessive thought defined as?

A frequently recurring unpleasant thought

Give two examples of obsessive thoughts that a person might have

• Worries about contamination from dirt

• Certainty that the door has been left unlocked and that intruders will enter through it

What is an issue with the coping strategies people use to manage their obsessions?

Coping strategies can appear abnormal and interfere with everyday life (e.g. praying/meditating to deal with obsessive guilt)

True or false?

People with OCD are aware that their obsessions and compulsions are not rational meaning that they have insight into their excessive anxiety

True

What term is used for people blowing events out of proportion and thinking about the worst possible scenario?

Catastrophic thoughts

What term is used to refer to the maintenance of constant alertness and keeping attention focused on potential hazards?

Hypervigilance

What term is used to refer to the act of focusing on a particular object for some time whilst simultaneously ignoring distractions and irrelevant information?

Selective attention

What is the difference between obsessions and compulsions?

• Obsessions = intrusive/unwanted thoughts or images that cause distress

• Compulsions = repetitive behaviours or acts