Obsessive - Compulsive Disorder: Diagnostic Criteria

by Beth McHugh | More from this Blogger

05 May 2007 05:01 PM

This article follows on from previous discussions of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Large epidemiological studies of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) rate the prevalence of the condition at roughly 2.6% of the population. Like most anxiety disorders, OCD varies in intensity both from person to person, as well as over time. Hence a single individual may experience a waxing and waning of the condition over a lifetime, with periods of increased stress usually resulting in an increase in obsessive-compulsive activities.

The DSM-IV-TR diagnostic guidelines require that a person satisfy all of the following criteria for an accurate diagnosis of this condition:

A. Obsessions are defined as: 1. Recurrent and persistent impulses, or images that are experienced as intrusive and inappropriate, and cause marked anxiety or distress.

2. The thoughts, impulses or images are not simply worries about real-life problems.

3. The person attempts to ignore or suppress such thoughts, impulses or images, or to neutralize them with some other thought or action.

4. The person recognizes that the obsessional thoughts, impulses or images are a product of his or her own mind (i.e. not imposed by another person or source).

Compulsions are defined as:

1. Repetitive behaviors (e.g., handwashing, ordering, checking) or mental acts (e.g. praying, counting, repeating words silently) that the person feels driven to perform in response to an obsession, or according to rules that must be applied rigidly.

2. The behaviors or mental acts are aimed at preventing or reducing distress or preventing some dreaded event or situation; however, these behaviors or mental acts are either not connected in a realistic way with what they are designed to neutralize or prevent, or are clearly excessive.

B. The person recognizes that the obsessions and compulsions are excessive or unreasonable. Note: This does not apply to children.

C. The obsessions and compulsions cause marked distress, are time consuming (take more than one hour per day to perform) or significantly interfere with the person's normal routine, occupation or academic functioning, or usual social activities, or relationships.

D. If another anxiety-related disorder is present, the nature of the obsessions and compulsions are not exclusively bound with that disorder (e.g. if an eating disorder is also present, the rituals do not revolve solely around food. Similarly, if a substance abuse disorder is present, the obsessive thoughts and compulsive actions are not centered round the procuring and imbibing of the substance.

E. The disturbance is not due to the direct effects of a substance (e.g., drugs of abuse, prescription medication) or a general medical condition.

Contact Beth McHugh for further assistance regarding this issue.

Related articles:

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Causes and Treatment

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Origins

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Symptoms and Behaviors

Learn more about Beth McHugh

Beth McHugh began her career as a geologist and worked both in industry and as a university researcher.

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katesbirdworld (625) 02 Aug 2007 08:55 PM

I have OCD's and it can get quit annoying at times. I take Luvox to keep them under control. If I don't get to stressed and I get enough sleep then they aren't to bad. At times the OCD's can kick in and get out of control. It takes all I have to keep them under control.

Beth McHugh (13211) 02 Aug 2007 09:08 PM

Stress will definitely aggravate existing OCD problems. Anything that you can do to lower your overall stress levels will help enormously. Addressing any long-standing life difficulties will also help. Thanks for your comment!