What is OCD?

Psychopathology – OCD

In this course, Dr Emma Sharpe (University of Derby) explores obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a mental health condition characterised by obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours. In the first lecture, we think about how OCD can be defined and diagnosed. In the second lecture, we explore the behavioural, emotional and cognitive characteristics of the condition. In the third lecture, we examine the biological causes of OCD, looking in particular at genetic and neural explanations. Next, we think about how OCD can be treated, looking specifically at drug treatments. In the fifth lecture, we look at some key psychological treatments. In the sixth and final module, we conclude on some of the key points of discussion from the course.

What is OCD?

In this lecture, we think about OCD as a mental health disorder, focusing in particular on: (i) it being characterised by obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours; (ii) how OCD can be defined; (iii) the prevalence and symptoms of the condition; (iv) its official categorisation in the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).