OCD

OCD

A condition characterised by obsessions and/or compulsive behaviour

Obsessions

Persistent and intrusive thoughts

Cognitive

Compulsions

Repetitive behaviours

Behavioural

Cycle of OCD

Obsessive thought —> Anxiety —> Compulsive behaviour —> Temporary relief.

The cycle loops over and over again

Behavioural characteristics of OCD

Avoidance

Repetitive compulsions

Compulsions that reduce anxiety

Avoidance

Avoiding certain situations that can cause anxiety e.g. avoid coming into contact with germs.

Can lead to people avoiding ordinary situations such as emptying bins.

Repetitive compulsions

People feel compelled to repeat behaviours e.g. flicking a switch on and off 6 times

Compulsions that reduce anxiety

Compulsive behaviours are done in an attempt to manage the anxiety produced by the obsessions.

Checking if a door is locked is a response to the obsessive thought that it is left unsecured.

Emotional characteristics of OCD

Anxiety and distress

Accompanying depression

Guilt and disgust

Anxiety and distress

The urge to repeat a behaviour causes anxiety. The anxiety coming with obsessive thoughts can be overwhelming

Accomopanying depression

Anxiety is accompanied by low mood and lack of enjoyment in activities.

Compulsive behaviour brings some relief but it is temporary

Guilt and disgust

Irrational guilt or disgust to dirt or yourself

Cognitive characteristics of OCD

Obsessive thoughts

Cognitive coping strategies

Insight into excessive anxiety

Obsessive thoughts

90% of people with OCD have intrusive thoughts that recur over and over. These vary between people and are always unpleasant.

Cognitive coping strategies

Someone religious who is tormented by obsessive guilt may cope with their OCD by praying or meditating.

Helps someone manage anxiety but makes them appear different to others.

Insight into excessive anxiety

People are aware that their obsessions and compulsions are irrational. This is necessary for an OCD diagnosis. If someone believed their obsessions are based on reality then it is a symptom of a different MH condition.

People with OCD have catastrophic thoughts about the worst-case scenarios that might result if their anxieties are justified.