Lecture 10: Compulsive Disorders (Curtis) Flashcards
Compulsion
repetitive behavior or mental act done to prevent or reduce anxiety or distress.
def. of obsession
persistent idea, thought, impulse, or image that is experienced as intrusive and inappropriate and that causes marked anxiety or distress
What is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual used to diagnose?
compulsion
obessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
a human psychiatric diagnosis. Only compulsions, not obessions can be confirmed in animals, although both probably occur.
redirected behavior
motivation to perform an activity toward an appropriate target is interrupted/prevented, so behavior is directed toward a less appropriate target. Can develop in stereotypy
displacement behavior
motivation to perform two behaviors that are in conflict with each other, then perform an unrelated behavior that is out of context. can develop into stereotypy
vacuum activity
instinctive behavior performed in the absence of the stimulus to which it would normally be directed. No apparent useful purpose. Can develop into stereotypy
Stereotypy
a specific behavior pattern that is repetitive, constant, predictable, and w/o obvious goal or function. Not ALL stereotypies are compulsive disorders!
How to tell difference b/w stereotypy and compulsive disorder
If behavior continues after stress is removed, you have a true compulsive behavior. If it doesn’t continue, it’s a stereotypy
Describe behavior assoc. with a compulsive disorder:
- out of context
- exaggerated or excessive
- repeated
- continue even when source of stress is removed
- may interfere w/ normal functions
Etiology of compulsive disorders
multifactorial causes. Probably involves NT changes. Can have ACQUIRED causes (ie. conflict, frustration, stress, inappropriate environments, physical lesions, etc.) or GENETIC causes (some genetic strains are predisposed to develop compulsive disorder)
Equines are predisposed to which compulsive behaviors?
cribbing, stall circling, pawing, weaving, stall kicking, flank biting.
What is cribbing?
horse grasps a horizontal surface w/ its incisors and aspirates air into the pharynx
Catte are predisposed to which compulsive behaviors?
bar licking, tongue rolling
Pigs are predisposed to which compulsive behaviors?
rooting, chain chewing
Birds are predisposed to which compulsive behaviors?
feather-picking and self-mutilation (esp. cockatoos and african greys)
Dobermans are predisposed to which compulsive behaviors?
flank sucking
Bull Terriers are predisposed to which compulsive behaviors?
spinning, freezing
Miniature schnauzers are predisposed to which compulsive behaviors?
checking hind end, freezing, fly chasing, star gazing
Large breed dogs are predisposed to which compulsive behaviors?
acral lick granuloma
oriental cat breeds are predisposed to which compulsive behaviors?
wool sucking, fabric eating
when diagnosing compulsive disorder (CD), you should rule out:
seizure activity. An animal with true CD is fully conscious, can be interrupted, w/ no post-ictal phase.
6 classifications of compulsive disorder. How are they classified?
- LIGVAH
1. Locomotion
2. Ingestive
3. Grooming
4. Vocalization
5. Aggression
6. Hallucinatory
Examples of locomotion CD
circling, tail chasing, pacing, digging, freezing, shadow chasing
examples of grooming CD
chewing/licking self, flank sucking, self-mutilation
what is psychogenic alopecia?
excessive grooming. classified as a grooming CD
examples of ingestive CD
polyphagia, polydipsia, wool sucking/chewing, pica
examples of vocalization CD
rhythmic barking, howling, crying, self-directed vocalization
ex. of aggression CD
self-directed aggression, attack inanimate objects
feline hyperesthesia syndrome
possible neurological disorder (could also be just behavioral) in which cat attacks/mutilates tail and is hyperesthetic to light touch on back, flanks or tail region. Neurological origins could be from paresthesias (tingly feeling on skin), sensory neuropathy, or myopathy.
examples of hallucinatory CD
staring, fly chasing, searching for imaginary prey
Neurophysiology
the study of how different behaviors rely on different neural pathways. May explain differential responsiveness of various forms of OCD to different medications.
What medical considerations should be made when diagnosing CD?
rule out medical problems, treat concurrent medical conditions
what environmental modifications need to be made with CD?
- identify/remove cause of conflict
- reduce env. stress
- provide sufficient stimulation
- provide consistent exercise schedule
- provide predictable env.
behavioral modifications for CD
- structured interactions
- no punish.
- avoid reinforcing undesirable behaviors
- response substitution
- distract and redirect*
- DS/CC to stress-inducing scenarios
pharm. tx for CD
SSRIs, Tri-cyclic antidepressants, narcotic antagonists, antipsychotics/neuroleptics, anticonvulsants (phenobarbital, neurontin, keppra)
Long-term tx uses TCA,SSRI. Short-term tx uses benzodiazepine (alprazolam)
