Chapter 6 - OCD, BDD etc. only

Question 1

What is OCD?

Answer 1

Occurrence of both obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviour performed in an attempt to neutralize such thoughts

Question 2

What are the behaviours surrounding OCD?

Answer 2

Obsessions: Persistent and recurrent intrusive thoughts, images, or impulses that are experienced as disturbing, inappropriate and uncontrollable

Compulsions: Overt repetitive behaviours that are performed as lengthy rituals. Might also involve more covert mental rituals

Question 3

What are traits related to the compulsive behaviour being performed?

Answer 3

A person with OCD usually feels driven to perform this compulsive, ritualistic behaviour in response to an obsession

There are often very rigid rules regarding exactly how the compulsive behaviour should be performed

The compulsive behaviours are performed with the goal of preventing or reducing distress or preventing some dreaded event or situation

Question 4

What are the 5 main types of compulsive behaviour?

Answer 4

Cleaning, counting, checking, repeating and ordering

Question 5

What kind of relief does performing the compulsive behaviour bring to the sufferer, and in turn drives them to continue this behaviour?

Answer 5

Anxiety relief:
Reduced feeling of tension
Satisfaction
A sense of control

However, do take note that this anxiety relief is only fleeting

Question 6

What are the DSM-5 criteria needed to diagnose one with OCD?

Answer 6

1. Presence of obsessions and/or compulsions
2. The obsessions or compulsions are time-consuming or cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning
3. Symptoms are not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance (eg drug)
4. The disturbance is not better explained by the symptoms of another mental disorder.

Question 7

Which groups of people are overrepresented in the prevalence rates of OCD?

Why is that so?

Answer 7

Divorced/separated and unemployed

Not surprising given the great difficulties this disorder creates for interpersonal and occupational functioning

Question 8

What is the age of onset?

Answer 8

Late adolescence/early adulthood

Question 9

In cases where it occurs in children, what patterns are observed?

Answer 9

More common in boys than girls

Often associated with greater severity and heritability

Question 10

Does OCD have a gradual onset?

Answer 10

Yes

Question 11

Is OCD an acute or chronic condition?

Answer 11

Chronic when it becomes severe, even though the severity of symptoms wax and wane over time

Question 12

What disorders are commonly comorbid with OCD?

Answer 12

Social phobia, GAD, panic disorder and PTSD

Question 13

Are there any statistics related to depression and OCD?

Answer 13

25-50%: experience major depression at some time in their life
80%: experience significant depressive symptoms, often at least partly in response to having OCD