OCD

Question 1

what is the definition of OCD

Answer 1

common, chronic and disabling disorder, marked by obsessions and/or compulsions that are ‘egodystonic’ [viewed as repugnant or inconsistent with the personality, values and moral perspective] and cause significant distress for patients and their families

Question 2

what are obsessions

Answer 2

recurrent, intrusive and distressing thoughts, ideas, images, memories, impulses

unwanted

usually resisted

recognised as originating from own mind

associated with the emergence or increase of anxiety

Question 3

what are common obsessions

Answer 3

germs
fear of harm
excessive concern with order
religious thoughts 
sexual thoughts
urge to hoard
thoughts of violence or aggression

Question 4

what are compulsions

Answer 4

repetitive, seemingly purposeful behaviours that individual feels driven to perform.

can include physical and mental rituals

carrying out compulsions tends to reduce anxiety – e.g. handwashing

resistance to performing a compulsion increases anxiety

usually recognised as ‘irrational’

Question 5

what are common compulsions

Answer 5

checking
cleaning, washing
repeating acts
mental compulsions 
ordering, symmetry or exactness
hoarding/collecting 
counting

Question 6

what are features of OCD epidemiology

Answer 6

familial
90% co-morbid
onset at any age (mean age 20)

Question 7

what is OCD personality disorder

Answer 7

preoccupation with rules, lists, order, schedules.

perfectionism interfering with task completion

excessive devotion to work (!)

overconscientious, scrupulous and inflexible

unable to discard worthless objects

Question 8

what neuroanatomy is implicated in OCD

Answer 8

caudate nucleus causing increase in compulsive drive

orbitofrontal cortex in decreased restraint

Question 9

what are the 3 domains of dysfunctional beliefs in OCD

Answer 9

overestimation of threat/inflated sense of responsibility

beliefs about importance of, need to control, intrusive thoughts

perfectionism and intolerance of uncertainty

Question 10

what does egodystonic mean

Answer 10

thoughts and behaviours that are in conflict, or dissonant, with the needs and goals of the person or in conflict with a person’s ideal self-image.

Question 11

what are 5 screening Q’s for OCD

Answer 11

1. Do you wash or clean a lot?
2. Do you check things a lot?
3. Is there any thought that keeps bothering you that you would like to get rid of but can’t?
4. Do your daily activities take along time to finish?
5. Are you concerned about orderliness or symmetry?