Obsessive Compulsive and Related Disorders

These flashcards cover key terminology and concepts related to obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, offering definitions for important terms discussed in the lecture.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

A chronic mental health condition characterized by recurrent, persistent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) performed to alleviate anxiety.

Trichotillomania

A disorder involving chronic, repetitive hair pulling, often considered a self-soothing behavior; can start in childhood and may continue into adulthood.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)

A preoccupation with perceived defects in physical appearance that causes significant distress or impairment in functioning.

Hoarding Disorder

Characterized by excessive acquisition of items and inability to discard them, leading to cluttered living spaces and functional impairments.

Excoriation (Dermatillomania)

An impulse control disorder involving repetitive skin picking that can lead to tissue damage and is often a self-soothing behavior.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A type of psychotherapy that helps clients understand and change their patterns of thinking and behavior; often used to treat OCD.

SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)

A class of medications commonly prescribed to treat OCD, including fluvoxamine and sertraline.

Compulsive Buying (Oniomania)

An impulse control disorder characterized by an obsession with shopping and buying items, often leading to financial difficulties.

Perfectionism

A personality trait involved in OCD, characterized by a belief that one must achieve high standards and avoid mistakes at all costs.

Exposure Therapy

A behavioral treatment that helps clients confront their fears by gradually exposing them to the situations or thoughts they avoid.