Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

A disorder characterized by the presence of obsessions, compulsions, or both, that are time-consuming and cause distress or impairment.

Etiology (Biopsychosocial Model)

Biological: Overactive cortico-striatal-thalamic circuits; serotonin dysregulation.

Psychological: Perfectionism, intolerance of uncertainty.

Social: Early trauma, family accommodation, cultural reinforcement.

Symptoms & Diagnosis (Mnemonic: OCD RITUALS):

O - Obsessions: unwanted thoughts/images

C - Compulsions: repetitive behaviors

D - Distress and time-consuming (≥1 hour/day)

R - Resistance to obsessions/compulsions

I -Insight may vary (good to delusional)

T - Thoughts not due to substances

U - Unrelated to another mental disorder

A - Avoidance is common

L - Life disruption

S - Specify with tic-related features

Treatment

CBT with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).

SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine, fluvoxamine).

Deep brain stimulation for treatment-resistant cases.

Info

DSM-5-TR Code

F42

Prevalence

Deep brain stimulation for treatment-resistant cases.