Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

All OCD-related disorders involve repetitive behaviour accompanied by obsessive thinking

Behavioural characteristics of OCD

• There are two elements to compulsive behaviour:  repetition and anxiety reduction. Typically sufferers of OCD feel compelled to repeat a behaviour. The vast majority of compulsive behaviours are performed in an attempt to manage the anxiety produced by obsessions.
• Avoidance: The behaviour of OCD suffers may be characterised by avoidance as they attempt to reduce anxiety by keeping away from situations that trigger it

Emotional characteristics of OCD

• Anixety and distress: OCD is regarded as a particularly unpleasant emotional experience because of the powerful anxiety that accompanies both obsessions and compulsions. The urge to repeat a behaviour (a compulsion) creates anxiety
• Accompanying depression: OCD is often accompanied by depression, so anxiety can be accompanied by low…