Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Abnormal Psychology Exam Reviewer

What are obsessions in OCD?

Intrusive, unwanted thoughts, urges, or images that cause anxiety.

What is the role of compulsions in OCD?

Repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to reduce anxiety.

What is thought–action fusion?

Believing that having a thought is as bad as acting on it.

What is Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP)?

CBT that helps individuals gradually face their fears while resisting compulsions.

What is the first-line pharmacological treatment for OCD?

SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors).

What is OCD marked by?

Obsessions (intrusive thoughts/urges/images) and/or compulsions.

What is the purpose of compulsions in OCD?

To reduce anxiety or prevent feared events.

What are the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for OCD?

Obsessions, compulsions, or both
Time-consuming
Not due to substances/medical condition
Not better explained by another disorder.

What are the specifiers for OCD according to DSM-5-TR?

Insight (good/fair, poor, absent/delusional) and tic-related.

What is the prevalence of OCD in US adults?

Approximately 1.2%.

How does gender relate to OCD prevalence across different life stages?

Females > males in adulthood; males > females in childhood.

What is the typical onset and course of OCD?

Onset: childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood.
Course: typically chronic, waxing and waning.

What are common themes of obsessions in OCD?

Contamination, symmetry/order, harm, sexual/religious thoughts.

What are common compulsions seen in OCD?

Cleaning, checking, counting, ordering, repeating.

What are the biological factors in the etiology of OCD?

Genetic heritability (~40–50%)
Serotonin/glutamate involvement
Brain circuit dysregulation.

What brain circuits are implicated in OCD?

Orbitofrontal cortex and basal ganglia.

What are the cognitive factors in the etiology of OCD?

Inflated responsibility and thought–action fusion.

How are compulsions maintained from a behavioral perspective?

Via negative reinforcement (anxiety reduction).

What are common comorbidities with OCD?

Depression, other anxiety disorders, tic disorders, body-focused repetitive behaviors.

What are the main treatments for OCD?

Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP) and medication (SSRIs, clomipramine).

What is the definition of "Good or Fair Insight" in OCD?

Individual recognizes that OCD beliefs are definitely or probably not true.

What is the definition of "Poor Insight" in OCD?

Individual thinks OCD beliefs are probably true.

What is the definition of "Absent Insight / Delusional Beliefs" in OCD?

Individual is completely convinced that OCD beliefs are true.