OCD

• What is an obsession in OCD?

  A cognition that cannot be rejected
• What is a compulsion in OCD?

  A visible behavior that is performed
• What percentage of OCD sufferers experience general anxiety if compulsions are not completed?

  Approximately 10%
• How can compulsions affect daily life?

  They can hinder everyday functioning
• What are the characteristics of compulsions in OCD?

  • Repetitive behaviors (e.g., hand washing)
  • Anxiety reducing (e.g., washing to avoid germs)
  • Avoidance of trigger behaviors
• What emotional symptoms can accompany OCD?

  Anxiety and negative emotions like guilt
• How does performing a compulsive behavior affect anxiety?

  It temporarily alleviates anxiety
• What cognitive symptoms are common in OCD?

  Persistent and intrusive obsessive thoughts
• What cognitive strategies do people with OCD use to cope?

  Praying or chanting to reduce anxiety
• Why is insight into OCD important?

  Awareness of irrationality is critical
• What can worsen anxiety in OCD sufferers?

  Awareness of the irrationality of thoughts
• What do OCD sufferers tend to imagine?

  Worst-case scenarios and potential hazards
• What is the genetic explanation for OCD?

  OCD is thought to be polygenic
• What are candidate genes in relation to OCD?

  Genes that may increase vulnerability to OCD
• What role does the COMT gene play in OCD?

  It regulates dopamine levels in the brain
• What effect does one allele of the COMT gene have?

  It leads to higher dopamine levels
• What does the SERT gene affect?

  The transport of serotonin in the brain
• What do PET scans show in relation to serotonin and OCD?

  Low levels of serotonin activity in the brain
• What did Ozaki et al (2003) find regarding OCD?

  A mutation in families with OCD members
• What brain malfunctioning is associated with OCD?

  High activity in the orbital frontal cortex
• What happens in the orbital frontal cortex (OFC) during OCD symptoms?

  It initiates activity when an impulse is received
• How do non-sufferers respond to impulses compared to those with OCD?

  They stop the behavior once completed
• What is the role of the basal ganglia in OCD?

  It suppresses minor worries and impulses
• What did Max et al (1994) find about the basal ganglia?

  Disconnection reduces OCD symptoms
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the genetic explanation for OCD?

  Strengths:

  • Twin studies show genetic component
  • Some genes linked to OCD symptoms

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Not entirely genetic; environmental factors play a role
  • Low predictive value due to many candidate genes
• What did Grootheest et al (2005) find about childhood OCD?

  It has a stronger genetic component
• What does the genetic overlap with other conditions suggest?

  Inherited sensitivity to disorders, not just OCD
• What is the role of SSRIs in treating OCD?

  They block serotonin reuptake channels
• How long does it take for SSRIs to show effects?

  12-16 weeks
• What is the effect of anxiolytics in treating OCD?

  They reduce anxiety effects or enhance GABA
• What are the side effects of SSRIs?

  Libido loss, irritability, nausea
• What did Julien (2007) find about SSRIs?

  They improve symptoms in 50-80% of people
• What did Soomro et al (2008) conclude about SSRIs?

  They are more effective than placebos
• What is a concern regarding long-term use of SSRIs?

  Little long-term data on effectiveness
• What did Simpson et al (2004) find about relapse rates?

  45% relapse rate after SSRIs
• What are the risks associated with anxiolytics?

  Memory impairment and potential addiction
• What is the benefit of combining SSRIs with CBT?

  Reduces relapse rates in the long term
• What is publication bias in drug research?

  Only significant results are published
• What are the limitations of drug therapy for OCD?

  • Symptoms do not disappear completely
  • Potential side effects and addiction risks
  • Relapse occurs after stopping medication
  • Limited long-term effectiveness data