OCD and Related Disorders Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover the definitions, demographics, and treatments for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and its related spectrum disorders as discussed in the lecture.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

A disorder previously classified as an anxiety disorder characterized by extreme anxiety and repetitive behaviors, which can start in childhood for males and in the $20s$ for females.

Trichotillomania

A chronic repetitive hair pulling behavior classified as a self-soothing behavior on the OCD spectrum.

Excoriation

Also known as dermatillomania, this is a self-soothing skin picking behavior commonly directed at the face, fingers, hands, arms, and legs.

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)

A preoccupation with an imagined or slight defect in physical appearance that interferes with daily functioning; cosmetic surgery is highly discouraged for this condition.

Hoarding

The excessive acquisition of animals or useless things and cluttered living spaces, more common between $20$ and $30$ years old.

Kleptomania

A reward-seeking behavior involving compulsive stealing where the reward is the thrill and not getting caught.

Oniomania

Compulsive buying where the reward is the acquisition of the item rather than its use; it affects $80\%$ of females, typically in their $20s$ and college students.

Body identity integrity disorder

Also known as amputee identity disorder, this occurs when individuals feel alienated from a part of their body and desire an amputation.

Common OCD Rituals

Activities used by individuals with OCD that can include checking, counting, washing, praying, and exercising.

Early onset OCD

OCD that begins by the age of $10$, more likely in males, with more severe symptoms and a greater likelihood of family history.

Late onset OCD

OCD that occurs around age $19$; however, onset after age $50$ is extremely rare and suggests organic causes like infection or brain injury.

Chronic nail biting

A self-soothing behavior that may be treated with SSRIs and cognitive behavioral therapy if it results in bleeding or infections.

Exposure therapy

A behavioral therapy technique used to treat OCD, often combined with response prevention for superior results.

SSRIs

A class of medication used in the treatment of OCD and related disorders to help manage symptoms and prevent relapse in conditions like BDD.

Organic causes for late onset OCD

When OCD symptoms appear after age $50$, medical professionals look for infection, degenerative disorders, brain injury, or cerebrovascular lesions.