Question 1: Define Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in your own words.

Answer: OCD is a mental health condition where a person has unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and feels compelled to perform certain actions or rituals (compulsions) repeatedly.

Question 2: Describe two common obsessions that people with OCD might experience.

Answer: Common obsessions include fears of contamination (germs or dirt) and fears of causing harm to others or oneself.

Question 3: Explain what a compulsion is and give an example relevant to OCD.

Answer: A compulsion is a repetitive action that a person feels driven to perform to reduce anxiety caused by obsessions. For example, repeatedly washing hands to prevent contamination.

Question 4: Identify one way OCD can affect a person's daily life.

Answer: OCD can cause delays in daily routines, such as spending a long time cleaning or checking things repeatedly, which can interfere with work or school.

Question 5: List two possible reasons why a person might develop OCD.

Answer: Possible reasons include genetic factors (family history) and environmental stress or traumatic experiences.

Question 6: Describe how compulsions might temporarily reduce anxiety for someone with OCD.

Answer: Performing compulsions can provide relief from obsessive thoughts, making the person feel more in control and less anxious temporarily.

Question 7: Sketch a simple diagram or flowchart showing the cycle of OCD, starting from obsession to compulsion and relief.

Answer: A correct sketch should show: Obsession (an unwanted thought) leads to anxiety, which triggers the compulsive action, resulting in temporary relief, but the cycle then repeats.

Question 8: Suggest one type of therapy commonly used to treat OCD and briefly explain how it works.

Answer: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is used to help individuals identify and challenge obsessive thoughts and gradually reduce compulsive behaviors through exposure and response prevention.

Question 9: Explain why it is important for friends or family to be understanding of someone with OCD.

Answer: Understanding helps provide support, reduces stigma, and encourages the person to seek help or treatment without feeling judged.

Question 10: What is one thing a person with OCD can do to help manage their symptoms?

Answer: They can seek professional help, such as therapy, and practice relaxation techniques to reduce anxiety.