Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Question 1

What are the 2 key components of OCD?

Answer 1

Presence of obsessions OR compulsions but commonly both.

Symptoms can cause functional impairment and/or distress

Question 2

What is an obsession?

Answer 2

Unwanted intrusive thought, image, or urge that repeatedly enters a person’s mind

Question 3

What is a compulsion?

Answer 3

Repetitive behaviours or mental acts that the person feels driven to perform

Question 4

How is OCD managed? (3 tiers of functional impairment)

Answer 4

Mild functional impairment - CBT including exposure and response prevention (ERP), then SSRI or more intensive CBT
Moderate functional impairment - SSRI (body dysmorphic disorder - fluoxetine) or more intensive CBT
Severe functional impairment - SSRI and CBT

Continue SSRIs for at least 12 months
Replace SSRI with another one