OCD

Define OCD

An anxiety disorder which is characterised by persistent, intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviours

What are the different types of OCD

• OCD - characterised by obsessions and/or compulsions

• Trichotillomania - compulsive hair pulling

• Hoarding disorder

• Excoriation disorder - compulsive skin picking

What are the behavioural characteristics of OCD

Compulsions are repetitive

• Typically people with OCD feel compelled to repeat a behaviour

Compulsions reduce anxiety

• Compulsions are performed to reduce anxiety

Avoidance

• Someone with OCD is likely to try and avoid situations that may trigger their obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours

What are the emotional characteristics of OCD

Anxiety and distress

• Extreme levels of anxiety, fear, and feelings of being overwhelmed as a result of compulsions

Accompanying depression

• Depression (having more than one mental illness at a time is known as comorbidity) due to feeling 'trapped' by their obsessions and compulsions

Guilt and disgust

• Guilt directed towards themselves or as a result of neglecting friends, family, work etc.

• Disgust directed towards themselves or the outside world

What are the cognitive characteristics of OCD

Obsessive thoughts

• Obsessive thoughts (these affect 90% of people with the illness)

• always unpleasant

Cognitive coping strategies

• The use of coping mechanisms to deal with the obsessive thoughts

• May appear abnormal, despite temporarily reliving anxiety they can distract from everyday tasks

Insight into excessive anxiety

• People with OCD are aware that their obsessions and compulsions aren't rational

• Tendency to be hyper vigilant due to catastrophic thoughts