OCD

Emotional characteristics of OCD

• Anxiety - uncontrollable feeling

• Frightened -  intense distress that feels overwhelming

• Low mood - constant cycle of compulsions and obsessions = physically and mentally exhausting

• secretive about their compulsions, feel embarrassed and experience shame

Behavioural characteristics of OCD

• Compulsive behaviours - refers to actions people take to deal with their obsessions (behaviour is repetitive - e.g. obsession on contamination of germs will thoroughly wash and dry hand many times)

• Behavioural element of compulsions - anxiety is created by overwhelming feeling to respond to thoughts by performing behaviour

• Avoidant behaviours - e.g. someone obsessed with germs may avoid touching surfaces

Cognitive characteristics of OCD

• Obsessions = persistent, unwanted, intrusive thoughts that cause intense anxiety

• May focus their attention (hyper-vigilance) on the source of their obsession in new situations e.g. if obsession = germs they may show hyper-vigilance of poor hygiene in everyday environments

• Insight into irrationality of their thoughts/behaviours  - awareness doesn’t prevent compulsions or obsessions

 

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