Psychopathology - OCD

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Define OCD
A condition characterised by obsessions and/or compulsive behaviour
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Give two examples of behavioural characteristics of OCD
Compulsions; Avoidance
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What are the two elements to compulsive behaviours?
Compulsions are repetitive; Compulsions reduce anxiety
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Explain compulsions are repetitive
Sufferers of OCD feel compelled to repeat a behaviour
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Explain compulsions reduce anxiety
Compulsive behaviours are performed in an attempt to manage the anxiety produced by obsessions
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Explain the emotional characteristic avoidance
Sufferers attempt to reduce anxiety by keeping away from situations that trigger anxiety
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Give three examples of emotional characteristics of OCD
Anxiety and distress; Accompanying depression; Guilt and disgust
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Explain the emotional characteristic anxiety and distress
Obsessions and compulsions are accompanied by powerful anxiety. Obsessive thoughts are unpleasant and frightening, and the anxiety that goes with these can be overwhelming. The urge to repeat a behaviour creates anxiety
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Explain the emotional characteristic accompanying depression
OCD is often accompanied by depression, so anxiety can be accompanied by low mood and lack of enjoyment in activities. Compulsive behaviour tends to bring some temporary relief from anxiety
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Explain the emotional characteristic guilt and disgust
OCD sometimes involves other negative emotions such as irrational guilt or disgust, which may be directed against something external or at the self
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Give three examples of cognitive characteristics of OCD
Obsessive thoughts; Cognitive strategies to deal with obsessions; Insight into excessive anxiety
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Explain the cognitive characteristic obsessive thoughts
Thoughts that recur over and over again, which are unpleasant
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Explain the cognitive characteristic cognitive strategies to deal with obsessions
Sufferers often adopt cognitive coping strategies for coping with obsessions. This may help manage anxiety but can make the person appear abnormal to others and can distract them from everyday tasks
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Explain the cognitive characteristic insight into excessive anxiety
Sufferers are aware that their obsessions and compulsions are not rational. However, sufferers experience catastrophic thoughts about worst case scenarios
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

Give two examples of behavioural characteristics of OCD

Back

Compulsions; Avoidance

Card 3

Front

What are the two elements to compulsive behaviours?

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

Explain compulsions are repetitive

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

Explain compulsions reduce anxiety

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
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