Psychology Chapter 3: OCD Disorders

Study Notes

The DSM-5 created a distinct category for obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, separating it from anxiety disorders present in DSM-4.
This new category includes obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and several related disorders such as body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), hoarding disorder, trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder), and excoriation (skin-picking disorder).
Trauma and stress-related disorders are another newly defined category in the DSM-5, incorporating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and acute stress disorder.

Obsessive-compulsive and related disorders share a common component of anxiety, similar to anxiety disorders.
Many etiological models and treatments, especially exposure-based treatments, are applicable to both OCD-related disorders and trauma/stress-related disorders.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD): Focused extensively due to the availability of research and knowledge in this area.
Hoarding Disorder: Considered distinct in its characteristics.
Trichotillomania and Excoriation: These disorders exhibit repetitive behaviors that are driven by different processes compared to compulsive disorders.

Researchers debate the classification of these disorders together, suggesting that there might be three main groups:
- Compulsive Disorders: Including OCD and BDD, characterized by actions driven by an internal compulsion despite negative consequences.
- Impulsive Disorders: Including trichotillomania and excoriation, where individuals act quickly without forethought.
- Hoarding Disorder: Arguably unique, differing significantly from the compulsive and impulsive group.

Each chapter outlines specific learning objectives, with varying wording based on different authors. Focus primarily on OCD-related learning objectives for detailed understanding of the disorder's nature and diagnosis.