Lec. 7: OCD

what is OCD

presense of obsessions, compulsions or both.

what are obsessions

persistent unwanted thoughts/images that cause anxiety/distress

what are compulsions

repetitive behaviours or mental acts one is felt driven to perform in response to obsession

what are some reasons OCD happens

- for emotional regulation

- from hyperarousal/envir. triggers

- attachment and developmental considerations

Obsession: what are core fears?

core fears are imagined consequences, such as: "i will get sick and die"

- obsessions often revolve around core fears

obsessions: what are the two types of triggers

external: irl stimuli that are real world objects/situations, or asymmetrical objects

internal: intrusive thoughts/images, often involving violence, taboo, or unwanted sexual content

what are some common themes of obsession

contamination, harm, symmetry, unwanted sexual thoughts

obsessions are of EGO-DYSONIC NATURE. what does this mean?

this means obsessions are inconsistent with that persons nature, values or desires

what are the 6 different types of obsessions

1. contamination

2. losing control

3. perfectionism

4. harm

5. unwanted sexual content

6. religious stuff

what are the two different formats of compulsions

behavioural: observable actions done to reduce anxiety

cognitive: mental acts to alleviate distressing thoughts

what are DYSFUNCTIONAL compulsions and give an example

excessive forms of otherwise normal behaviour (ex. handwashing)

what are NONFUNCTIONAL compulsions, and an example

repetitive actions with no goal (ex. stepping over cracks on floor)