OCD Spectrum Disorders

Spectrum disorders share OCD traits and are typically considered close cousins. However they exhibit unique and specific behaviour which requires them to be categorized separately. It’s not unusual that individuals with OCD may experience comorbidity with these spectrum disorders.

Body Dismorphic Disorder (BDD)
Preoccupied with a perceived body defect or anomaly that causes the individual significant distress and anxiety. The individual may have actual slight imperfections that they constantly obsess about. They may also look at themselves in the mirror for extended periods of time.

Dermatillomania (Skin Picking)
An impulse control disorder which is defined as an uncontrollable picking of one’s own skin which often leads to self-injury. It can also be a BDD compulsion.

Trichotillomania (Hair Pulling)
An impulse control disorder defined as an uncontrollable pulling of body hair such as scalp, facial hairs, nose hairs, eyebrows, eye lashes, pubic hair and general body.

Hypochondriasis
A preoccupation/obsession with health related issues such as contracting or having a serious illness. The individual typically requires constant reassurance that they are well usually by frequent visits to a medical professional.

Tourette’s Syndrome
Characterized by an individual exhibiting physical (motor) and vocal tics, which are sudden, repetitive and non-rhythmic. Examples include an individual shouting obscenity, blinking their eyes in an exaggerated fashion or exaggerated neck movements.