9990 · 1.5.1
Diagnostic criteria for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) flashcards
Revision flashcards for Cambridge 9990 Diagnostic criteria for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) (syllabus 1.5.1). Flip, recall, then mark a real past-paper question.
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Obsession vs compulsion?
Obsession: recurrent, intrusive, unwanted thought/urge/image causing anxiety. Compulsion: repetitive behaviour/mental act performed to reduce obsession-related distress.
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DSM-5 OCD criteria?
Presence of obsessions and/or compulsions — time-consuming (>1 hr/day) or cause significant distress/impairment; not attributable to substance or medical condition.
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Example obsession?
Intrusive thought of harming a loved one (ego-dystonic — unwanted and distressing).
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Example compulsion?
Repeated hand-washing to neutralise contamination fear; checking locks multiple times.
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OCD vs OCD-related disorders?
Hoarding, trichotillomania, BDD now separate categories in DSM-5 — different criteria though overlapping features.
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Insight specifier?
DSM-5 notes good/fair/poor/absent insight — poor insight affects treatment engagement and may resemble delusional disorder.
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According to DSM-5, what is an 'obsession' in the context of OCD?
A recurrent, persistent, and intrusive thought, urge, or image that is experienced as unwanted and causes significant anxiety or distress. The individual tries to ignore or neutralise it.
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According to DSM-5, what is a 'compulsion' in the context of OCD?
A repetitive behaviour (e.g., hand washing) or mental act (e.g., counting) that an individual feels driven to perform in response to an obsession or rigid rules, aimed at reducing anxiety.
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What is the 'time-consuming' criterion for an OCD diagnosis (Criterion B)?
The obsessions or compulsions must take up more than one hour per day, OR they must cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
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What is meant by 'differential diagnosis' in relation to OCD?
It is the process of distinguishing OCD from other disorders with similar symptoms. For example, ensuring the symptoms are not better explained by Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Body Dysmorphic Disorder, or a substance-induced disorder.
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Can compulsions be purely mental events?
Yes. As well as overt physical behaviours, compulsions can be covert 'mental acts'. Examples include silent counting, repeating words, or mentally reviewing events to 'check' for errors.