2. Characteristics

About this Lecture

Lecture

In this lecture, we think about the behavioural, emotional and cognitive characteristics of OCD, focusing in particular on: (i) compulsive behaviours and avoidance (behavioural); (ii) anxiety, distress, depression, guilt and disgust (emotional); (iii) obsessive thoughts and insights into the condition (cognitive); (iv) how these characteristics form a cycle of OCD which perpetuates the condition and from which it is difficult for sufferers to break free.

Course

In this course, Dr Emma Sharpe (University of Derby) explores obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a mental health condition characterised by obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours. In the first lecture, we think about how OCD can be defined and diagnosed. In the second lecture, we explore the behavioural, emotional and cognitive characteristics of the condition. In the third lecture, we examine the biological causes of OCD, looking in particular at genetic and neural explanations. Next, we think about how OCD can be treated, looking specifically at drug treatments. In the fifth lecture, we look at some key psychological treatments. In the sixth and final module, we conclude on some of the key points of discussion from the course.

Lecturer

Emma Sharpe graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Psychology from Loughborough University in 2011. Following this, she went on to complete both an MRes in 2012 and PhD in 2015. She joined the University of Derby as a lecturer in October 2015, having previously worked as a University Teacher at Loughborough University.