Saqlain Raza 05-171211-212

Assignment # 3

Institute of Professional Psychology, Bahria University Karachi Campus

Course: Mental Health and Psychopathology - I

Write a detailed note on the Etiology, Prevalence, and Prognostic Factors of “Obsessive-
Compulsive and Related Disorders” as outlined in DSM-5-TR. Mention ALL disorders
with above mentioned sections for each.
Answer: Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders are a group of mental health
conditions characterized by recurring and intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive
behaviors (compulsions). These disorders are outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical
Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR). Let's explore each
disorder individually, discussing their etiology, prevalence, and prognostic factors:
1. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD):
- Etiology: The exact cause of OCD is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a
combination of genetic, neurobiological, and environmental factors. Abnormalities in brain
circuitry and neurotransmitter imbalances, particularly involving serotonin, are thought to
contribute to the development of OCD. Environmental factors such as childhood trauma or
stressful life events may also play a role.
- Prevalence: OCD has a lifetime prevalence of approximately 2-3% in the general
population. It affects both men and women equally and typically begins in late childhood,
adolescence, or early adulthood.
- Prognostic Factors: The prognosis for OCD varies but tends to be chronic. Factors
associated with a worse prognosis include early age of onset, greater symptom severity,
presence of comorbid conditions (such as depression or anxiety disorders), and resistance to
treatment. Early intervention and appropriate treatment can significantly improve outcomes.

2. Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD):

- Etiology: The exact cause of BDD is unclear, but it is believed to involve a combination
of genetic, neurobiological, and sociocultural factors. Genetic factors and abnormalities in
brain structure and function may contribute to the development of BDD. Sociocultural
factors, such as societal emphasis on appearance or experiences of bullying or teasing, can
also play a role.
- Prevalence: BDD has a lifetime prevalence of approximately 1-2% in the general
population. It affects both men and women equally and often begins in adolescence or early
adulthood.
- Prognostic Factors: BDD tends to be a chronic condition if left untreated. Factors
associated with a worse prognosis include early age of onset, greater symptom severity,
comorbid conditions (such as depression or anxiety disorders), and lack of social support.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication can be effective in managing symptoms.
Saqlain Raza 05-171211-212

3. Hoarding Disorder:
- Etiology: The exact cause of hoarding disorder is not fully understood. It may be
influenced by genetic, neurobiological, and environmental factors. Abnormalities in brain
regions responsible for decision-making, organization, and emotional processing may
contribute to the development of hoarding disorder. Traumatic experiences and attachment
issues may also play a role.
- Prevalence: Hoarding disorder has a lifetime prevalence of approximately 2-6% in the
general population. It appears to be more common in older adults and often starts in
childhood or adolescence.
- Prognostic Factors: Hoarding disorder tends to be chronic and progressive if left
untreated. Factors associated with a worse prognosis include greater severity of hoarding
behaviors, co-occurring mental health conditions (such as depression or anxiety disorders),
poor insight into the problem, and lack of social support. Cognitive-behavioral therapy,
specifically focused on hoarding, is the primary treatment approach.

4. Trichotillomania (Hair-Pulling Disorder):

- Etiology: The exact cause of trichotillomania is unknown, but it is believed to involve a
combination of genetic, neurobiological, and environmental factors. Imbalances in
neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, may play a role. Stressful life events or
trauma can trigger or exacerbate hair-pulling behaviors.
- Prevalence: Trichotillomania has a lifetime prevalence of approximately 1-2% in the
general population. It affects more females than males and often begins in childhood or
adolescence.
- Prognostic Factors: Trichotillomania can be chronic and relapsing if left untreated.
Factors associated with a worse prognosis include longer duration of symptoms, greater
severity of hair-pulling behaviors, co-occurring mental health conditions (such as depression
or anxiety disorders), and lack of social support. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, habit reversal
training, and medication can be beneficial in managing symptoms.

5. Excoriation (Skin-Picking) Disorder:

- Etiology: The exact cause of excoriation disorder is unclear, but it is thought to involve
genetic, neurobiological, and environmental factors. Imbalances in neurotransmitters, such as
serotonin and dopamine, may contribute to the development of skin-picking behaviors. Stress
and emotional dysregulation can also play a role.
- Prevalence: Excoriation disorder has a lifetime prevalence of approximately 1-5% in the
general population. It affects more females than males and often starts in adolescence or early
adulthood.
Saqlain Raza 05-171211-212

- Prognostic Factors: Excoriation disorder can be chronic and relapsing if left untreated.
Factors associated with a worse prognosis include longer duration of symptoms, greater
severity of skin-picking behaviors, co-occurring mental health conditions (such as depression
or anxiety disorders), and lack of social support. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, habit reversal
training, and medication can help manage symptoms.