Psychology of Anxiety Disorders: OCD and PTSD

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What is a characteristic of obsessive thoughts in people with obsessive-compulsive disorder?

They are taken as a passing oddity

They are rational and based on evidence

They are easily forgotten and dismissed

They are given more importance and reality than they deserve (correct)

What is the primary difference between someone with OCD and someone without the disorder?

People with OCD are more anxious in general

People with OCD have better coping mechanisms for stress

People with OCD have more frequent strange thoughts

People with OCD assign more importance to their strange thoughts (correct)

What is the ultimate goal of someone with OCD when they repeat a compulsive behavior?

To distract themselves from their obsessive thoughts

To reduce anxiety (correct)

To achieve perfection

To prove their rational thinking

What is a common experience for people with OCD?

Feeling compelled to repeat a behavior multiple times Signup and view all the answers

Why do people with OCD often engage in repetitive behaviors?

Because they are attempting to reduce their anxiety Signup and view all the answers

What is a necessary criterion for a diagnosis of OCD?

Experiencing obsessive thoughts and/or compulsions that seem irrational or nonsensical Signup and view all the answers

How do people with OCD typically perceive their strange thoughts?

As a warning of potential danger Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary emotional response to not carrying out a compulsive behavior in someone with OCD?

Anxiety Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of stress in the development of OCD symptoms?

Stress can exacerbate existing OCD symptoms Signup and view all the answers

How do people with OCD often feel about their compulsive behaviors?

They are aware that they are irrational, but feel compelled to do them Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of compulsions in people with OCD?

They are distinct in that they must be repetitive or excessive Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated percentage of the population that has met criteria for OCD over the course of a lifetime?

1.6% Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the belief that having an intrusive thought is just as bad as doing it?

Thought-action fusion Signup and view all the answers

What is a common attempt made by people with OCD to prevent an intrusive thought from coming true?

Engaging in a complex series of compulsive behaviors Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of obsessions in people with OCD?

They are often associated with a sense of anxiety or fear Signup and view all the answers

What is a common consequence of engaging in obsessions and compulsions in people with OCD?

Significant distress or impairment in functioning Signup and view all the answers

How much time must be spent on obsessions and/or compulsions to meet the diagnostic criteria for OCD?

At least 1 hour per day Signup and view all the answers

What is a common distinction between people with OCD and those without?

People with OCD are more likely to get stuck on intrusive thoughts Signup and view all the answers

What is a common example of a compulsive behavior in people with OCD?

Repetitive washing Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary motivation for people with OCD to engage in compulsive behaviors?

To alleviate anxiety or distress Signup and view all the answers