ocd (features and symptoms)

Question 1

what is obsessive-compulsive disorder (ocd) and how does it affect people?

Answer 1

• ocd is a common mental disorder
• ranked by WHO among the top 10 most disabling illnesses
• affects quality of life and earnings
• many experience ocd-like symptoms during stress but not as severe
• common types: ggchecking things and fear of contamination**

Question 2

what is ocd?

Answer 2

• it is an anxiety disorder characterised by obsessions and/or compulsions
• obsessions: persistent, irrational, unwanted thoughts
• compulsions: tasks people do to relieve themselves of the obsessions

Question 3

what are the diagnostic criteria for ocd (according to the dsm-5)? (symptoms)

Answer 3

• obsessions can’t be ignored & cause anxiety or distress
• sufferers may try to relieve obsessions with compulsive behaviour
• obsessions/compulsions are time-consuming (more than 1 hour/day) and/or cause distress or impairment in daily life
• symptoms cannot be explained by substance use or other medical conditions or mental disorders (e.g. generalised anxiety disorder)
• check for a history of tic disorder as it can affect severity

Question 4

what is onset for ocd?

Answer 4

• usually starts in late teens or early twenties
• in 25% of males, symptoms begin before age 10
• symptoms often develop gradually, but can sometimes have a sudden, acute onset

Question 5

what is the prevalence of ocd?

Answer 5

• affects between 1.1% and 1.8% of the population
• more common in females in adults
• more common in males in children

Question 6

what are the risk factors for ocd?

Answer 6

• family history: having parents or family members with OCD increases risk
• stressful life events: traumatic or stressful events or strong reactions to stress can increase risk

Question 7

what is the prognosis for ocd?

Answer 7

• symptoms usually develop gradually, but can be extreme from the start
• about 70% experience a chronic course with worsening and improving symptoms
• about 5% have episodic symptoms with remission between episodes
• age at onset doesn’t determine prognosis
• factors for a good prognosis:
  
  • milder symptoms
  • brief duration of symptoms
  • good functioning before full onset

Question 8

how does culture affect ocd?

Answer 8

• ocd occurs at similar rates across cultures
• similar age of onset and comorbidity with other disorders
• common symptoms include hoarding, taboo thoughts, and symmetry
• cultural factors can influence the nature of the symptoms