OCD Quizlet Flashcards

Q: What defines obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) according to DSM-V-TR?

A: The presence of obsessions, compulsions, or both that cause distress and interfere with functioning.

Q: What are obsessions in OCD?

A: Recurrent, persistent, and intrusive thoughts or urges (e.g., contamination, harm, morality, symmetry).

Q: What are compulsions in OCD?

A: Repetitive behaviors or mental acts (e.g., washing, checking, counting) performed to reduce anxiety.

Q: What is an example of a compulsion?

A: Repeatedly checking if the stove is off even after confirming it, due to fear of fire.

Q: When is OCD diagnosed?

A: When obsessions or compulsions take more than one hour per day or significantly interfere with functioning

Q: What must be ruled out before diagnosing OCD?

A: Substance use, medication effects, and other mental disorders.

Q: What is the typical course of OCD?

A: Symptoms wax and wane over time and can worsen with stress.

Q: What is the global prevalence of OCD?

A: Found in 1–4% of children, adolescents, and adults worldwide.

Q: Which neurotransmitter imbalance is linked to OCD?

A: Serotonin.

Q: What role does learning theory play in OCD?

A: OCD behaviors can be learned or modeled through observation of others, especially family members.

Q: What genetic factor contributes to OCD?

A: A complex interaction of multiple genes increases susceptibility.

Q: What is seen in the general appearance of someone with OCD?

A: Tense, anxious, and often embarrassed about their behaviors.

Q: What is the primary mood associated with OCD?

A: Overwhelming anxiety.

Q: How do clients with OCD typically perceive their behavior?

A: They recognize it as excessive or unreasonable but feel powerless to stop it.

Q: What physical complications can occur with OCD?

A: Skin breakdown from excessive handwashing and sleep disturbances.

Q: What feelings about self are common in OCD clients?

A: Powerlessness and low self-esteem.

Q: What are key points in a strength assessment for OCD?

A: Insight into behaviors, motivation for treatment, social support, and personal strengths.

Q: What does the Yale-Brown Obsessive–Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) measure?

A: Severity of obsessions and compulsions from 0 (none) to 4 (severe).

Q: What does a Y-BOCS score of 26 indicate?

A: Severe OCD symptoms.

Q: What is the first-line pharmacologic treatment for OCD?

A: SSRIs such as fluvoxamine, sertraline, fluoxetine, and paroxetine.

Q: What medication can augment treatment-resistant OCD?

A: Aripiprazole.

Q: What psychotherapy is most effective for OCD?

A: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).

Q: What is the goal of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)?

A: To face anxiety triggers without performing compulsions until anxiety decreases naturally.

Q: What characterizes hoarding disorder?

A: Emotional attachment to items, distress when discarding, and belief that possessions are part of oneself.

Q: What is the strongest predictor of hoarding severity?

A: Guilt about wasting or discarding items.

Q: How does hoarding differ from OCD?

A: Hoarding lacks repetitive intrusive thoughts and compulsive rituals; distress arises from discarding, not from obsessions

Q: What is the treatment of choice for hoarding disorder?

A: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with Exposure and Response Prevention, plus SSRIs for anxiety/depression.

Q: What is the nurse’s priority when teaching a client with OCD?

A: Encourage openness, structured routines, and treatment adherence.

Q: What should families of clients with OCD avoid doing?

A: Trying to “fix” or stop the client’s rituals directly.

Q: What should families provide for a loved one with OCD?

A: Patience, understanding, and support while monitoring family stress.

Q: Why is empathy essential in nursing care for OCD?

A: Clients cannot simply stop their compulsions; understanding and patience are crucial for progress.

Q: What is the long-term goal for clients with OCD?

A: Gradual reduction of compulsive behaviors and improved coping with anxiety.