Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Flashcards

1
Q

Definition

A

OCD is characterised by obsessions and compulsions

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2
Q

Obsessions definition

A
  • Obsessions are unwanted and uncontrolled thoughts and intrusive images that the person finds it very difficult to ignore.
  • E.g an overwhelming fear of contamination with dirt or germs or violent or explicit images that keep appearing in their mind.
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3
Q

Compulsions definition

A
  • Repetitive actions the person feels they must do, generating anxiety if they are not done. Often these compulsions are a way for the person to handle the obsessions.
  • E.g, checking that all electrical equipment is turned off to settle the anxiety of obsessing about the house burning down. This is a normal behaviour, but in OCD the person may check every plug in the house 10 times before being able to go to sleep or leave.
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4
Q

Cycle of OCD

A
  • The obsessions lead to anxiety, which leads to the compulsive behaviour, which leads to a temporary improvement in the anxiety. Shortly after the temporary improvement in anxiety the obsession reappears, leading to further anxiety, further compulsive behaviour with a temporary relief.
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5
Q

Associated conditions

A

OCD is strongly related to other mental health issues:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Autistic spectrum disorder
- Phobias

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6
Q

Risk factors

A

Family history
Age: 10-20 years
Pregnancy/postnatal period
History of abuse, bullying, neglect

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7
Q

Diagnositic criteria

A

Y-BOCS.
- 8 - 15 = Mild OCD,
- 16 - 23 = Moderate OCD,
- 24 - 31 = Severe OCD,
- 32 - 40 = extremely severe OCD.

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8
Q

Management

A

Mild: low intensity psychological treatment
- CBT
- Exposure and response prevention (ERP)
Moderate: SSRI (FL drug) or more intensive CBT
- Fluoxetine specifically for body dysmorphic disorder
- Clomipramine = alternative to FL
Severe: refer to secondary care mental health team

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