Characteristics of OCD
OCD - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Like phobias, OCD is an anxiety disorder that has two main components:
obsessions and compulsions:
– Obsessions - Recurring and persistent thoughts.
– Compulsions - Repetitive behaviours.
70% of OCD sufferers experience both obsessions and compulsions
combined. However, 20% experience just obsessions alone and 10%
experience just compulsions alone.
Behavioural Characteristics
The behavioural component of OCD is the compulsive behaviours, and
there are two features of these:
– Repetitive in nature and sufferers will often feel pressurised into
repeating a behaviour (hand washing).
– Compulsions are used to manage or reduce anxiety - i.e. the excessive
hand washing is caused by a fear of germs and bacteria and is
therefore a direct response to the obsession.
Emotional Characteristics
OCD is an anxiety disorder.
Obsessions are persistent and forbidden thoughts and ideas, which
ultimately cause high levels of anxiety in people with OCD.
These can lead to depression, as the anxiety experienced can often result
OCD - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Like phobias, OCD is an anxiety disorder that has two main components:
obsessions and compulsions:
– Obsessions - Recurring and persistent thoughts.
– Compulsions - Repetitive behaviours.
70% of OCD sufferers experience both obsessions and compulsions
combined. However, 20% experience just obsessions alone and 10%
experience just compulsions alone.
Behavioural Characteristics
The behavioural component of OCD is the compulsive behaviours, and
there are two features of these:
– Repetitive in nature and sufferers will often feel pressurised into
repeating a behaviour (hand washing).
– Compulsions are used to manage or reduce anxiety - i.e. the excessive
hand washing is caused by a fear of germs and bacteria and is
therefore a direct response to the obsession.
Emotional Characteristics
OCD is an anxiety disorder.
Obsessions are persistent and forbidden thoughts and ideas, which
ultimately cause high levels of anxiety in people with OCD.
These can lead to depression, as the anxiety experienced can often result
