Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a common symptom of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Accepted Answer

Grandiose delusions

Answer

Intrusive thoughts

Answer

Repetitive behaviors

Answer

Excessive focus on cleanliness

Question 2

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) classifies OCD as a:

Accepted Answer

Anxiety disorder

Answer

Mood disorder

Answer

Psychotic disorder

Answer

Personality disorder

Question 3

Obsessions and compulsions in OCD are often:

Accepted Answer

Ego-dystonic, meaning unwanted and distressing

Answer

Ego-syntonic, meaning accepted and desirable

Answer

Variable depending on the individual

Answer

Always related to childhood trauma

Question 4

What is the primary cognitive component of OCD?

Accepted Answer

Obsessions

Answer

Compulsions

Answer

Phobias

Answer

Generalized anxiety

Question 5

What is the primary goal of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for OCD?

Accepted Answer

To change maladaptive thought patterns and reduce anxiety

Answer

To eliminate intrusive thoughts and prevent compulsive behaviors

Answer

To develop coping skills and increase self-esteem

Answer

To use medication to alleviate symptoms

Question 6

What is a common comorbid condition associated with OCD?

Accepted Answer

Any of the above

Answer

Major depressive disorder

Answer

Generalized anxiety disorder

Answer

Panic disorder

Question 7

What is the primary goal of exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy for OCD?

Accepted Answer

To reduce anxiety associated with intrusive thoughts and eliminate avoidance behaviors

Answer

To prevent compulsive behaviors and increase self-esteem

Answer

To enhance coping skills and use medication effectively

Answer

To change maladaptive thought patterns and reduce anxiety

Question 8

Which of the following is a type of medication commonly used to treat OCD?

Accepted Answer

Both SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants

Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer

Benzodiazepines

Answer

Tricyclic antidepressants

Question 9

What is the key distinction between an obsession and a compulsion?

Accepted Answer

Obsessions are thoughts, while compulsions are behaviors.

Answer

Compulsions are thoughts, while obsessions are behaviors.

Answer

Obsessions are always irrational, while compulsions are always rational.

Answer

Compulsions are always irrational, while obsessions are always rational.

Question 10

Approximately what percentage of the general population is affected by OCD?

Accepted Answer

1-2%

Answer

Less than 1%

Answer

3-5%

Answer

More than 5%

Question 11

According to the DSM-5, which of the following is NOT a diagnostic criterion for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Accepted Answer

Presence of motor or vocal tics

Answer

Time-consuming or distressing obsessions or compulsions

Answer

Absence of substance use or medical conditions causing symptoms

Answer

Unsuccessful attempts to resist obsessions or compulsions

Question 12

Which symptom is included in the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Accepted Answer

Intrusive thoughts that cause significant anxiety or distress

Answer

Excessive worry about finances that interferes with daily life

Answer

Difficulty concentrating at work or school that is not due to other factors

Question 13

Which of the following is a hallmark symptom of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Accepted Answer

Intrusive thoughts or images that cause anxiety

Answer

Persistent feelings of guilt

Answer

Difficulty focusing on the present moment

Answer

Overwhelming fatigue

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a common type of compulsion associated with OCD?

Accepted Answer

Daydreaming

Answer

Checking rituals

Answer

Washing rituals

Answer

Mental rituals

Question 15

What is a primary symptom used to diagnose Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Accepted Answer

Intrusive, unwanted thoughts that cause significant distress

Answer

Excessive anxiety about the future

Answer

Difficulty focusing or making decisions

Question 16

Which of these is **least** likely to be a symptom of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Accepted Answer

Sudden episodes of intense fear

Answer

Recurring, unwanted thoughts

Answer

Compulsive, repetitive actions

Answer

Intense worry and fear

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic symptom of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Accepted Answer

Mood swings

Answer

Intrusive and unwanted thoughts (obsessions)

Answer

Repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions)

Answer

Significant distress or impairment caused by obsessions or compulsions

Question 18

What is a primary symptom of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Accepted Answer

Intrusive and unwanted thoughts or images

Answer

Delusions of grandeur or persecution

Answer

Hallucinations of voices or visions

Question 19

Which of the following is a defining feature of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Accepted Answer

Persistent intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors

Answer

Excessive worry about cleanliness and order

Answer

Difficulty concentrating and making decisions

Answer

Chronic fatigue and muscle tension

Question 20

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a commonly used behavioral therapy for OCD that involves:

Accepted Answer

Gradually exposing individuals to feared stimuli while preventing compulsive behaviors

Answer

Teaching coping skills to manage anxiety in everyday situations

Answer

Examining and challenging the irrational thoughts associated with OCD

Answer

Using medication to suppress intrusive thoughts and compulsive urges

Question 21

The primary goal of cognitive therapy for OCD is to:

Accepted Answer

Identify and challenge distorted thoughts and beliefs

Answer

Reduce the frequency and intensity of compulsive behaviors

Answer

Improve problem-solving and coping skills in daily life

Answer

Enhance social functioning and interpersonal relationships

Question 22

Which brain region is most often linked to the development of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Accepted Answer

Striatum

Answer

Prefrontal Cortex

Answer

Hippocampus

Answer

Amygdala

Question 23

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), a diagnosis of OCD requires:

Accepted Answer

Presence of obsessions or compulsions that cause significant distress or impairment

Answer

Presence of anxiety symptoms that are not specific to OCD

Answer

Presence of a comorbid mood disorder

Answer

Absence of any other psychiatric diagnoses

Question 24

Which type of therapy is considered the gold standard treatment for OCD?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Answer

Psychodynamic Therapy

Answer

Medication

Answer

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)

Question 25

Which neurotransmitter is primarily implicated in the pathophysiology of OCD?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

GABA

Answer

Norepinephrine

Question 26

Which of the following is a common subtype of OCD characterized by excessive fear of contamination?

Accepted Answer

Contamination fears

Answer

Hoarding

Answer

Checking compulsions

Answer

Magical thinking

Question 27

What is a characteristic type of compulsive behavior that involves repetitive handwashing or cleaning?

Accepted Answer

Washing or cleaning

Answer

Checking

Answer

Avoidance

Answer

Neutralization

Question 28

What is the main goal of cognitive restructuring in the treatment of OCD?

Accepted Answer

To identify and challenge distorted or irrational thoughts

Answer

To develop coping mechanisms

Answer

To reduce anxiety

Answer

To enhance self-esteem

Question 29

In Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), obsessions and compulsions are distinct symptoms. What is a key difference between obsessions and compulsions?

Accepted Answer

Obsessions are intrusive thoughts that often trigger anxiety, while compulsions are behaviors or rituals that may or may not cause anxiety.

Answer

Obsessions are intentional thoughts, while compulsions are involuntary actions.

Answer

Compulsions are always repetitive, while obsessions can occur occasionally.

Answer

Obsessions are typically enjoyable, while compulsions are usually unpleasant.

Question 30

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Accepted Answer

Intrusive and unwanted thoughts or impulses

Answer

Phobias or intense fears

Answer

Hallucinations or sensory experiences that are not real

Answer

Delusions or false beliefs

Question 31

What is the main diagnostic feature for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Accepted Answer

Presence of obsessions or compulsions that cause significant distress or impairment for at least two weeks

Answer

Absence of other medical or mental health conditions that could explain the symptoms

Answer

Early onset of symptoms before the age of 18

Answer

Impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning due to the obsessions or compulsions

Question 32

Which neurotransmitter system is primarily implicated in the pathophysiology of OCD?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Norepinephrine

Answer

GABA

Question 33

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is often recommended as a first-line treatment for OCD because:

Accepted Answer

It effectively addresses the underlying cognitive distortions and behavioral patterns associated with the disorder

Answer

It is a relatively inexpensive treatment option

Answer

It produces rapid symptom reduction

Answer

It eliminates the need for medication

Question 34

Which of the following is typically NOT a comorbid condition associated with OCD?

Accepted Answer

Schizophrenia

Answer

Depression

Answer

Anxiety disorders

Answer

Substance use disorders

Question 35

What is the primary goal of exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy for OCD?

Accepted Answer

To gradually expose individuals to feared objects or situations while preventing the performance of compulsions

Answer

To provide coping mechanisms for managing OCD symptoms

Answer

To reduce the frequency of obsessions over time

Answer

To eliminate obsessions and compulsions entirely

Question 36

Which of the following is a characteristic of obsessions in OCD?

Accepted Answer

Persistent and unwanted thoughts or images that cause anxiety or distress

Answer

Ritualistic and repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed in an attempt to reduce anxiety

Answer

Excessive worry about future events

Answer

Fear of being harmed or contaminated

Question 37

What is the purpose of a "worry period" in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for OCD?

Accepted Answer

To allow the individual to experience their anxiety associated with obsessions without engaging in compulsions

Answer

To teach individuals to replace negative thoughts with positive ones

Answer

To gradually expose individuals to feared objects or situations

Answer

To reduce the intensity and duration of obsessions

Question 38

What is the primary role of medication in the treatment of OCD?

Accepted Answer

To reduce symptoms of anxiety and obsessions

Answer

To cure OCD completely

Answer

To eliminate the need for psychotherapy

Answer

To be used as the sole treatment for OCD

Question 39

What is the primary behavioral component of OCD?

Accepted Answer

Compulsions

Answer

Avoidance

Answer

Escape

Answer

Panic attacks

Question 40

Which neurotransmitter is strongly implicated in the development of OCD?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Norepinephrine

Answer

Glutamate

Question 41

Which of the following is NOT a diagnostic symptom of OCD?

Accepted Answer

Persistent sadness

Answer

Intrusive thoughts

Answer

Excessive worry

Answer

Repetitive behaviors

Question 42

Which of the following is a common obsession in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Accepted Answer

Fear of contamination and germs

Answer

Fear of heights

Answer

Fear of social situations

Answer

Fear of public speaking

Question 43

What is the primary behavioral symptom of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Accepted Answer

Repetitive hand washing, checking, or cleaning rituals

Answer

Avoidance of certain situations or objects

Answer

Excessive mental rumination

Answer

Increased physical activity

Question 44

Which neurotransmitter is strongly implicated in the pathophysiology of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Glutamate

Answer

GABA

Question 45

What is the approximate average age of onset for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Accepted Answer

Late adolescence (around 18 years)

Answer

Early childhood

Answer

Early adulthood (around 25 years)

Answer

Middle age (around 40 years)

Question 46

What is the main distinction between primary and secondary obsessions in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Accepted Answer

Primary obsessions are unwanted, intrusive thoughts, while secondary obsessions are thoughts that develop to counteract or neutralize the anxiety caused by primary obsessions.

Answer

Primary obsessions are related to personal fears, while secondary obsessions are related to external events.

Answer

Primary obsessions are more severe than secondary obsessions.

Answer

There is no meaningful distinction between primary and secondary obsessions.

Question 47

A defining characteristic of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) includes:

Accepted Answer

Intrusive, unwanted thoughts that cause significant anxiety or distress

Answer

Excessive worry about minor events unrelated to the intrusive thoughts

Answer

Difficulty sleeping due to racing thoughts unrelated to intrusive thoughts

Question 48

Research indicates which neurotransmitter may play a significant role in the development of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Acetylcholine

Answer

Norepinephrine

Answer

Dopamine

Question 49

Current research suggests that the most effective treatment approach for OCD is:

Accepted Answer

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) combined with medication, such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer

Psychoanalysis as the sole treatment approach

Answer

Medication alone, without therapeutic intervention

Question 50

What is the primary distinction between obsessions and compulsions in OCD?

Accepted Answer

Obsessions are intrusive, unwanted thoughts, while compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts used to manage the anxiety caused by the obsessions

Answer

Obsessions are always irrational, while compulsions can be logical

Answer

Obsessions are fears, while compulsions are rituals

Question 51

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy for OCD primarily aims to:

Accepted Answer

Gradually expose individuals to feared stimuli while preventing them from engaging in compulsive behaviors, thereby reducing the anxiety associated with the stimuli

Answer

Change the way individuals think about their obsessions without addressing the compulsive behaviors

Question 52

Which class of medications is commonly used as the first-line pharmacological treatment for OCD?

Accepted Answer

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer

Benzodiazepines

Answer

Antipsychotics

Question 53

Which cognitive distortion is frequently observed in individuals with OCD?

Accepted Answer

Thought-Action Fusion

Answer

Emotional Reasoning

Answer

Catastrophic Thinking

Answer

All-or-Nothing Thinking