OCD

Question 1

What are obsessions in the context of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Answer 1

Unwanted intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that are repugnant and inconsistent with a person’s values

Obsessions are a key component of OCD and often lead to significant distress.

Question 2

Define compulsions as they relate to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

Answer 2

Repetitive behaviours or mental acts a person feels driven to perform, which can be overt or covert

Overt compulsions include physical actions, while covert compulsions involve mental rituals.

Question 3

What characterizes Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Answer 3

Presence of obsessions or compulsions that impair function and involve repetitive stereotypical behaviours that are not enjoyable or helpful

OCD often disrupts daily life and can lead to significant distress.

Question 4

What is the time requirement for diagnosing Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Answer 4

Obsessions and compulsions must be time-consuming, taking more than 1 hour daily, or causing significant distress or functional impairment

This criterion helps differentiate OCD from other anxiety disorders.

Question 5

List some screening questions for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

Answer 5

• Do you wash or clean a lot?
• Do you check things a lot?
• Is there any thought that keeps bothering you that you’d like to get rid of and can’t?
• Do your daily activities take a long time to finish?
• Are you concerned about putting things in a special order?
• Do these problems trouble you?

These questions help identify symptoms consistent with OCD.

Question 6

What is the first-line treatment for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Answer 6

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), specifically Exposure and Response Prevention

This treatment involves the individual resisting their urges and examining evidence to weaken their convictions.

Question 7

What constitutes the second-line treatment for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Answer 7

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) such as sertraline, citalopram, fluoxetine, or paroxetine

SSRIs are often required at higher doses and for longer durations (over 12 weeks) to see a response.

Question 8

What is the third-line treatment for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Answer 8

Tricyclic antidepressant, specifically clomipramine

Clomipramine is used when first-line and second-line treatments are ineffective.