Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders

Question 1

What defines an obsession?

Answer 1

Recurrent, persistent urges, thought or images that are experienced at some point as unwanted and intrusive, and that can cause anxiety or distress

Question 2

What are the DSM criteria for obsessive-compulsive disorder?

Answer 2

• A - presence of obsessions, compulsions or both
• B - obsessions or compulsions are time-consuming (> 1/12) or cause socio-occupational dysfunction
• C - not attributable to substance use or GMC
• D - not better explained by another MH disorder

Question 3

Outline the management principles for someone with obsessive-compulsive disorder

Answer 3

• Psychotherapy: CBT with exposure and response prevention
• Pharmacotherapy: as an adjunct or in severe forms of the disorder
  
  • SSRIs/SNRIs
  • Clomipramine +/- risperidone