AIIMS Patna NO - 2020
Mental Health Nursing
Medium

Which of the following is NOT a sign/symptom of the obsessive-compulsive disorder?

Appeared in: AIIMS Patna NO - 2020

Explanation

  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by significant anxiety and distress caused by intrusive thoughts (obsessions).
  • Some individuals with OCD experience obsessions involving fears of harming themselves or others.
  • These thoughts are ego-dystonic (unwanted and distressing), meaning they are associated with intense fear, not an absence of fear.
  • Therefore, 'no fear of self-harm' is contrary to the clinical presentation of OCD, where fear is a central component.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

  • Option B: This is a classic and common symptom of OCD. Fear of contamination with germs, dirt, or chemicals is a primary type of obsession.
  • Option C: Obsessive thoughts are a core diagnostic criterion for OCD. They are defined as recurrent, persistent, intrusive, and unwanted thoughts that cause significant distress.
  • Option D: Compulsive acts are the second core diagnostic criterion for OCD. These are repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to reduce the anxiety caused by obsessions.

Related Visual

A circular diagram illustrating the OCD cycle: 1. Obsession intrusive, anxious thought - 2. Anxiety distress, fear - 3. Compulsion ritualistic behavior - 4. Temporary Reli...
Clinical Relevance
  • Nursing practice connection: Knowing Signs and symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
  • Nurses must be able to differentiate between the symptoms of OCD and other anxiety disorders for accurate screening and referral. Recognizing that fear is central to OCD is crucial.
  • It is vital to assess for suicidal ideation in patients with OCD, as intrusive thoughts about self-harm can be a symptom and cause extreme distress, increasing suicide risk.
  • Patient education should emphasize that these thoughts are a symptom of the illness and not a reflection of their character, which can help reduce shame and guilt.
How to Approach the Question
  • First, identify the core concept of the question, which is the signs and symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
  • Note the negative keyword 'NOT'. This means you are looking for the option that is inconsistent with an OCD diagnosis.
  • Recall the two primary components of OCD: obsessions (intrusive, anxiety-provoking thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors to reduce that anxiety).
  • Evaluate each option against this core definition.
  • Option B (Fear of germs), C (Obsessive thoughts), and D (Compulsive acts) are all hallmark features of OCD.
  • Evaluate Option A (No fear of self-harm). Since obsessions cause intense fear and anxiety, an absence of fear is contradictory to the nature of the disorder. This makes it the correct answer.
Concept Tested & Keywords
  • Concept Tested: Signs and symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Stem keywords: obsessive-compulsive disorder, sign, symptom
  • Lead-in keywords: NOT
  • Negative lead-in flag: Question asks to identify the option that is NOT a sign/symptom of OCD.

Question ID

QPd2oYLmfF_0BJ9j7DIAJN

Reference Book

E6 Kaplan Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry-2022 (pp 1-3768 of 3768) p. 1341-1343

E6 Robert Boland, Marcia L. Verduin - Kaplan and Sadock's Comprehensive Text of Psychiatry-Wolters Kluwer Health (2024) (pp 1-16525 of 16525) p. 5912-5914

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 2 p. 1567-1569

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