Master Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) (OLD VERSION) with Picmonic for Nursing RN

Patients with obsessive compulsive disorder experience high levels of anxiety about not being in control or about losing control.

The patient with OCD may experience repetitive and intrusive thoughts, also known as an obsession. Obsessions vary between individuals, but may include worrying about having germs on their hands or about leaving the door to their house unlocked. These obsessions often manifest as compulsions.

In patients with OCD, obsessions can usually only be suppressed by thoughts or actions called compulsions. For example, if the patient is worried about having germs on their hands, he/she may wash their hands excessively to alleviate their anxiety.

Obsessions and compulsions interfere with a patient’s daily functioning. Patients with OCD can spend upwards of one hour per day carrying out their compulsion(s).

Although compulsions may be obvious to others, patients with OCD may or may not be aware that they are performing an action or activity repeatedly.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the drug of choice for treating obsessive compulsive disorder, although anti-anxiety medications may also be used.

Initially, it is important to allow a patient to continue with their compulsions, or rituals, to prevent an increase in anxiety. The amount of time the patient has to perform the behavior should gradually be limited, in an effort to eliminate the compulsion.

Systematic desensitization is an intervention that involves gradually exposing a patient to an anxiety-provoking stimulus while they are in a relaxed state. Over time, the patient will learn to overcome his/her anxiety or fear.

Flooding is an intervention that involves exposure to the anxiety-provoking stimulus for a prolonged period of time. The goal of this intervention is to significantly decrease or eliminate the fear or anxiety associated with a particular stimulus/situation.