Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders Review

These flashcards cover key concepts regarding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders as discussed in the lecture notes.

What type of disorder is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

It is a kind of anxiety or impulse control disorder.

What is the distinction of OCD in relation to other mental disorders?

OCD is recognized as a separate type of disorder in the DSM-5.

Define obsessions in the context of OCD.

Obsessions are intrusive and unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that cause anxiety or distress.

What are some examples of obsessions?

Examples include harming loved ones, fear of contamination, religious obsessions, and superstitious beliefs.

What are compulsions in the context of OCD?

Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed in response to obsessions to reduce anxiety.

Give examples of compulsions commonly seen in OCD.

Common compulsions include hand washing, checking, ordering, and repeating words.

How are obsessions and compulsions related?

Obsessions create anxiety which compulsions aim to neutralize, but they often do not have a realistic connection to the feared event.

What is the diagnostic criterion for OCD?

Presence of obsessions or compulsions causing significant distress or time consumption (more than 1 hour per day).

What is the estimated lifetime prevalence of OCD?

The lifetime prevalence of OCD is between 1.6% to 2.3%.

Is OCD equally common among genders?

Yes, OCD is equally common among men and women.

What is the typical age range for the onset of OCD?

OCD onset ranges from childhood to age 30, with an average around age 20.

What is the course of OCD?

OCD typically has a chronic course with high comorbidity rates with anxiety and mood disorders.

What genetic factor is associated with an increased risk of OCD?

Individuals with first-degree relatives who have OCD have a higher rate of the disorder.

What does thought-action fusion mean in OCD?

It is the belief that thinking about something unacceptable is equivalent to performing that action.

What is meant by behavioral reinforcement in the context of OCD?

Compulsions are negatively reinforced by the relief they provide from anxiety.

Describe the OCD cycle of symptoms.

The cycle includes: 1) Anxiety (fear of contamination), 2) Obsession (fear), 3) Compulsion (wash hands), 4) Relief.

How can strong religious beliefs exacerbate OCD?

They may lead to increased severity of OCD symptoms through guilt and anxiety surrounding thoughts.

What role do specific stressors play in the diathesis-stress model regarding OCD?

Certain stressors, such as abuse or infections in childhood, may increase the risk of developing OCD in susceptible individuals.

Name a biological treatment for OCD.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) or Tricyclic Antidepressants.

What is the effectiveness of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)?

ERP is 60-90% effective in reducing OCD symptoms.

What is the approach of ERP treatment?

It involves exposure to obsessions and preventing compulsive responses to reduce anxiety.

How does Clomipramine compare to ERP in treating OCD?

ERP has been shown to be as effective as Clomipramine when combined but results were the same as ERP alone.

What is Body Dysmorphic Disorder?

It is characterized by a preoccupation with perceived defects in physical appearance not observable to others.

Define Hoarding Disorder.

It is marked by persistent difficulty in discarding possessions due to a perceived need to save them.

What is Trichotillomania?

It is a disorder involving recurrent hair pulling leading to noticeable hair loss.

What is Excoriation Disorder?

A disorder characterized by recurrent skin picking resulting in lesions.

What is the prevalence of OC Disorders compared to OCD specifically?

OCD is not the most prevalent among OC disorders, and they often occur comorbidly.