Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Body Dysmorphic Disorder

In the previous post, we defined obsessions and compulsions. Now that we are familiar with these terms, we are ready to discuss Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

According to the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition), OCD is characterized by:

• The presence of obsessions, compulsions, or both.
• These obsessions and compulsions are time-consuming (e.g., taking more than an hour a day) or cause significant distress.
• There is no better explanation for the symptoms.

Additionally, the level of insight of the individual needs to be specified. If the person can recognize that the beliefs at the core of their obsessions or compulsions are probably not true, this is considered good insight. If the person cannot determine whether the beliefs are true or not, the insight is poor or absent.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is another disorder within the obsessive-compulsive spectrum and is characterized by:

• Preoccupation with one or more perceived defects or flaws in physical appearance that are not observable or appear slight to others.
• In response to these concerns, the individual performs repetitive behaviors such as mirror checking, excessive grooming, etc.
• The preoccupations cause significant distress.
• There is no better explanation for the symptoms.

As with OCD, the level of insight must be specified.

Sources:

• American Psychiatric Association (2013) - Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.).
• Bernhill, J. W. (2014) - DSM-5 Clinical Cases.

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