1.4. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Question 1

Recurrent, persistent, intrusive, and unwanted thoughts, images, or impulses that cause marked anxiety and interfere with interpersonal, social, or occupational functioning

Answer 1

Obsessions

Question 2

Ritualistic or repetitive behaviors or mental acts that a person carries out continuously in an attempt to neutralize anxiety

Answer 2

Compulsion

Question 2

Treatment

Answer 2

Behavior therapy and medication

Medications
1. SSRI antidepressants
2. Fluvoxamine
3. Clomipramine
4. Buspirone
5. Clonazepam

Question 2

The person knows the rituals are unreasonable but feels forced to continue them in an attempt to relieve anxiety caused by obsession

Answer 2

Rituals

Question 2

Behavior Therapy techniques

Answer 2

Exposure (confronting anxiety-provoking stimuli)

Response prevention (delaying or avoiding ritual performance)

Question 2

Delaying or avoiding ritual performance

Answer 2

Response prevention

Question 3

The person knows these thoughts are excessive or unreasonable but believes they have no control over them

Answer 3

Obsessions

Question 4

Onset

Answer 4

Male - childhood
Female - begins at 20s

typically late adolescence