outline the behavioral characteristics of OCD 4 marks

The behavioral characteristic of OCD is the compulsions, this is regarding the performance of the persons behaviour. There are two elements of compulsive behaviour:1) compulsions are repetitive - an OCD sufferer will usually feel the urge to repeat a certain behaviour. For instance, hand washing. 2) compulsions also reduce anxiety - so the reason sufferers may feel compelled to repeat certain actions is because it reduces anxiety. This anxiety usually occurs from the obsessive thoughts the sufferers go through. For instance, the repetition of hand washing may occur to reduce the obsessive fear of germs which initially causes anxiety. avoidance is another characteristic of OCD- this is where sufferers would altogether avoid situations that trigger their obsessions and compulsions. Therefore, this is a behavioural characteristic as it is a form of negative reinforcement. For instance, those who compulsively hand wash may avoid coming into contact with germs. This is difficult and may interfere with the activities of leading a normal life.