OCD (Characteristics)

OCD

An anxiety disorder characterised by obsessions and compulsions.

Obsessions

Persistent, intrusive thoughts, images or impulses that cause anxiety.

Compulsions

Repetitive behaviours or mental acts performed to reduce anxiety from obsessions.

Behavioural characteristics of OCD

Observable behaviours linked to the disorder.

Compulsion repetition

Repeated behaviours such as handwashing, checking or counting.

Compulsion reduction

Compulsions aim to reduce anxiety caused by obsessions.

Avoidance

Person avoids situations that may trigger obsessions.

Behaviour rigidity

Compulsions must be performed in a specific way or order.

Emotional characteristics of OCD

How OCD affects feelings and emotional state.

Anxiety

OCD creates intense, persistent anxiety and distress.

Distress

Emotional strain due to obsessions and compulsions.

Guilt and disgust

Obsession themes often include contamination or moral concerns.

Depression in OCD

Low mood often accompanies OCD due to the disruptive nature of symptoms.

Cognitive characteristics of OCD

How OCD affects thinking patterns.

Obsessive thoughts

Unwanted and intrusive ideas such as fear of contamination or harm.

Cognitive coping strategies

Individuals may use mental acts (counting, praying) to manage anxiety.

Catastrophic thinking

Assuming worst-case scenario if compulsions are not completed.

Overly attentive to threats

OCD sufferers selectively focus on fear-related stimuli.

Hyper-responsibility

Feeling excessive responsibility for preventing harm.

Insight into excessive anxiety

Most sufferers recognise that compulsions are irrational yet feel unable to stop.

Cognitive rigidity

Inflexible thinking patterns that are difficult to shift.

Misinterpretation of intrusive thoughts

Normal intrusive thoughts are misinterpreted as significant or dangerous.

Impact on daily life

OCD severely disrupts work, relationships and routine.

Cycle of OCD

Obsessions create anxiety which triggers compulsions, temporarily reducing anxiety.

Negative reinforcement

In behaviourist terms, compulsions reduce anxiety and reinforce the cycle.

Themes of obsessions

Common themes include contamination, order, symmetry, hoarding, harm.

OCD onset

Often begins in adolescence or early adulthood.

Comorbidity

OCD frequently occurs alongside depression or anxiety disorders.