OCD

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The DSM-5 recognises 4 categories of OCD and other related disorders;

OCD - characterised by obsessions (recurring thoughts, images etc) and/or compulsions (repetitive behaviours e.g. hand washing)

Trichotillomania - compulsive hair pulling

Hoarding disorder - compulsive gathering of posessions and the inability to part with anything, regardless of its value

Excoriation disorder - compulsive skin picking

Behavioural Characteristics of OCD:

Compulsions - There are 2 main elements to compulsive behaviours. Compulsions are repetitive - typically sufferers of OCD feel compelled to repeat a behaviour e.g. hand washing. Compulsions reduce anxiety - for the vast majority of sufferers, compulsions are performed in attempt to manage the anxiety produced by obsessions e.g. hand washing is carried out as a response to an obsessive fear of germs

Avoidance - Sufferers of OCD tend to try to manage it by avoiding situations that trigger anxiety. e.g. compulsive hand washers may avoid coming into contact with germs. However this avoidance can lead people to avoid ordinary situations which can interfere with leading a normal life

Cognitive Characteristics of OCD:

Obsessive Thoughts - 90% of OCD sufferers have obsessive thoughts. These vary from person to person but are always unpleasant. e.g. being worried about catching germs/leaving a door unlocked

Cognitive Coping Strategies - People respond by adopting cognitive coping strategies e.g. praying/meditating. This can help manage anxiety but make them appear abnormal and can distract them from everyday tasks

Insight into Excessive Anxiety - People suffering from OCD are aware that their obsessions and compulsions are irrational. However in spite of this insight OCD sufferers experience catastrophic thoughts about worst case scenarios that might result if their anxieties were justified. Tey also tend to be hypervigilant i.e. maintain constant alertness

Emotional Chracteristics of OCD:

Anxiety & Distress - OCD is an unpleasant emotional experience because of the powerful anxiety that accompanies it. Obsessive thoughts are unpleasant and frightening and the anxiety that goes with them can be overwhelming

Accompanying Depression - OCD is often accompanied by depression, so anxiety can be accompanied by low mood and lack of enjoyment in activities

Guilt & Disgust - OCD sometimes involves negative emotions like irrational guilt or disgust which may be directed at something external like dirt or at the self