OCD Flashcards
How is OCD classified in DSM-IV and DSM-5?
OCD is categorized as an anxiety disorder in DSM-IV. In DSM-5, it is classified under a new category ‘OCD and related disorders’ independent of anxiety disorders.
What are the criteria for diagnosing OCD in DSM-5?
Diagnosis is dependent on the compulsion/obsession causing distress, being time-consuming, or significantly interfering with daily life.
What disorders are included in the OCD and related disorders category?
The category includes body dysmorphic disorder, hoarding disorder, trichotillomania (hair pulling), and excoriation (skin-picking).
What are the two independent characteristics of OCD?
The two independent characteristics are obsession and compulsion.
What defines an obsession in OCD?
An obsession refers to unwanted intrusive re-occurring thoughts, images, and impulses that the individual finds disturbing and uncontrollable.
What are common triggers for obsessive thoughts?
Obsessive thoughts can be triggered by various stimuli, leading to marked anxiety and a strong need to neutralize the obsession.
What is a compulsion in OCD?
A compulsion represents repetitive behavior patterns that an individual is driven to perform to avoid a negative outcome.
How do compulsions provide temporary relief?
Compulsive acts are performed in a stereotyped manner and provide temporary relief from the anxiety associated with obsessions.
What is the lifetime prevalence of OCD?
The lifetime prevalence of OCD is approximately 2%, with a 12-month prevalence rate of 1.2%.
Is OCD more prevalent in men or women?
Evidence suggests that OCD is slightly more prevalent in women than in men.
What are some risk factors for developing OCD?
Risk factors include childhood isolation, poor peer relationships, negative emotionality in adolescents, and history of physical/sexual abuse.
What are the consequences of untreated OCD?
Untreated OCD can negatively affect social and occupational functioning, lead to house-bound behavior, and is associated with more years lost to disability than multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s combined.
What characterizes Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)?
BDD is characterized by a preoccupation with an assumed defect in appearance, with excessive concern about facial features and body shape.
What is Excoriation Disorder?
Excoriation Disorder involves skin picking, rubbing, and pulling that results in skin lesions, often driven by a compulsion to reduce anxiety.
What is Trichotillomania?
Trichotillomania is the difficulty in resisting urges to pull hair out, often leading to social withdrawal and isolation.
What are the three components of Hoarding Disorder?
The three components are collecting many items, difficulty parting with items, and a general problem with organizing possessions.
What genetic factors are associated with OCD?
Genetic variance accounts for approximately 40% of OCD cases, with non-shared environmental factors accounting for 51%.
What environmental factors can influence OCD severity?
Parental expressed emotion and stressful life events, such as accidents or witnessing crime, are linked to increased OCD severity.
What neurotransmitter is associated with OCD?
The serotonergic hypothesis suggests that OCD is associated with low serotonin activity.
What brain activity changes are observed in OCD patients?
OCD patients show high activity in brain regions including the anterior cingulate cortex, frontal lobe, and basal ganglia.
What is the role of negative reinforcement in OCD?
Compulsions are reinforced because they reduce anxiety, which leads to avoidant behaviors being reinforced.
What is the focus of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for OCD?
CBT for OCD involves challenging false beliefs and assumptions, encouraging patients to test their fears related to their rituals.
What is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)?
ERP is a behavioral treatment where individuals are exposed to situations that elicit compulsive acts and are encouraged to refrain from performing them.
