12 Introduction to Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders

Introduction to Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders

Obsessive-compulsive and related disorders are a group of overlapping disorders that generally involve intrusive, unpleasant thoughts and repetitive behaviors. Many of us experience unwanted thoughts from time to time (e.g., craving double cheeseburgers when dieting), and many of us engage in repetitive behaviors on occasion (e.g., pacing when nervous). However, obsessive-compulsive and related disorders elevate the unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviors to a status so intense that these cognitions and activities disrupt daily life. Included in this category are obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), body dysmorphic disorder, trichotillomania (hair pulling), Excoriation disorder (skin picking) and hoarding disorder. We will discuss matters related to obsessive-compulsive and related disorders to include their clinical presentation, epidemiology, comorbidity, etiology, and treatment options.

Learning Objectives

Describe the main features and prevalence of obsessive-compulsive disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, trichotillomania (hair pulling), Excoriation disorder (skin picking) and hoarding disorder

Understand some of the factors in the development of obsessive-compulsive disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, trichotillomania (hair pulling), Excoriation disorder (skin picking) and hoarding disorder

Describe the treatments associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, trichotillomania (hair pulling), Excoriation disorder (skin picking) and hoarding disorder

Understand the Biopsychosocial perspective on Obsessive Compulsive and Related disorders

“Introduction to Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders” is adapted from Abnormal Psychology by Coursehero, used under CC BY-SA: Attribution-ShareAlike.