Tutorial notes

Question 1

definition of ‘efficacious and specific’ treatment?

Answer 1

two or more research groups have found that this treatment works better than another treatment or a nonspecific control

Question 2

definition of ‘efficacious’ treatment?

Answer 2

at least two research groups have found this treatment to be more efficacious than its absence

Question 3

definition of ‘possibly efficacious’ treatment?

Answer 3

supported by evidence from one research group, awaiting replication

Question 4

Treatment of choice for someone with OCD and why?

Answer 4

ERP: if individual is prevented from carrying out their ritual, their anxiety will naturally abate through the process of habituation, decreasing association between intrusive thought and compulsion.

Possible cognitive aspects: participants’ expectations are altered in ERP, corrective info is incorporated in activated fear structures

Question 5

What are the 5 main symptom dimensions of OCD according to DSM-IV?

Answer 5

1. contamination obsessions with cleaning/washing rituals
2. doubts about harm with checking/reassurance seeking rituals
3. obsessions relating to a need for exactness, symmetry, completeness ass. with arranging, repeating or ordering rituals
4. unacceptable thoughts of a violent, sexual or religious nature with covert mental rituals
5. hoarding

Question 6

Are any of OCD’s symptom dimensions less responsive to treatment?

Answer 6

Hoarding