(Select All That Apply):. A nurse is teaching a group of patients about pharmacological interventions for OCDs. Which medications are commonly used to treat OCDs? Select all that apply.
Venlafaxine.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs).
Risperidone.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Dopamine agonists.
Correct Answer : C,D
Choice C rationale:
Risperidone is an atypical antipsychotic medication that is sometimes used as an augmentation strategy in treating OCD, particularly in cases where there are prominent obsessive-compulsive symptoms that are not well-controlled by other interventions. However, it's important to note that risperidone's use in OCD is off-label, meaning it's not approved by regulatory agencies specifically for OCD treatment.
Choice D rationale:
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a cornerstone of pharmacological treatment for OCD. These medications, such as fluoxetine, sertraline, and fluvoxamine, increase the availability of serotonin in the brain and help alleviate obsessive-compulsive symptoms. They have been extensively studied and are considered first-line treatment options.
Choice A rationale:
Venlafaxine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) commonly used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. While it may have some benefit for anxiety symptoms, including those related to OCD, it is not considered a first-line treatment for OCD. SSRIs have shown greater efficacy for OCD management.
Choice B rationale:
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) were among the first medications used to treat OCD. However, their side effect profiles and the availability of more effective and better-tolerated options, such as SSRIs, have led to TCAs being used less frequently for OCD treatment.
Choice E rationale:
Dopamine agonists are not commonly used for OCD treatment. In fact, they can potentially exacerbate symptoms, as imbalances in dopamine transmission are implicated in the pathophysiology of OCD. Using dopamine agonists without a clear rationale could worsen the condition.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
This choice accurately reflects one of the criteria for diagnosing OCD. The obsessions (intrusive and distressing thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors or mental acts) experienced by individuals with OCD are usually connected to what they are trying to neutralize or prevent. For instance, if someone has an obsessive fear of contamination, their compulsions might involve excessive hand washing to neutralize this fear.
Choice B rationale:
While perfectionism and high standards can be associated with OCD, they are not a primary diagnostic criterion. OCD is characterized by the presence of obsessions and compulsions that cause distress and significantly interfere with a person's daily life.
Choice C rationale:
This option is incorrect. The disturbance in OCD is not attributed to the physiological effects of substances or other medical conditions. It is a distinct mental health condition that is not solely a result of substance use or another medical issue.
Choice D rationale:
This option is incorrect. The symptoms of OCD should not be better explained by the symptoms of another mental disorder. While comorbidities can exist, OCD has its own unique set of obsessions and compulsions that differentiate it from other mental disorders.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Obsessions and compulsions in OCD are ego-dystonic, not ego-syntonic. Ego-dystonic refers to thoughts, feelings, or behaviors that are perceived as incompatible with one's self-concept. In OCD, individuals recognize that their obsessions and compulsions are irrational and unwanted, which causes distress.
Choice B rationale:
The connection of obsessions and compulsions to positive outcomes is not a distinguishing factor for OCD. In fact, obsessions and compulsions often lead to distress and interfere with daily functioning.
Choice C rationale:
The presence of distress or impairment is a key factor that helps differentiate OCD from other mental disorders. Unlike some other conditions where the behaviors or thoughts might not distress the individual, OCD is characterized by the distress caused by the irrational and unwanted obsessions and compulsions.
Choice D rationale:
This choice is the correct answer. Individuals with OCD recognize that their obsessions and compulsions are irrational and excessive, but they struggle to control them. This recognition is a hallmark of OCD and helps differentiate it from other conditions where the person might not be aware of the irrationality of their behavior.
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