IGCSE/ A-Level Revision Questions

Answer:

Disorder	Diagnostic Criteria (DSM‑5)	Core Symptoms	First‑line Pharmacological Treatment
Obsessive‑Compulsive Disorder (OCD)	Presence of obsessions, compulsions, or both. Obsessions/compulsions are time‑consuming (≥1 hour/day) or cause clinically significant distress/impairment. Not attributable to substance use or another medical condition.	Intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions). Repetitive behaviours or mental acts performed to neutralise anxiety (compulsions).	Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) – e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline, or clomipramine (a tricyclic).
Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)	Marked fear or anxiety about one or more social situations. Avoidance or endured with intense distress. Fear persists for ≥6 months and interferes with functioning.	Fear of scrutiny, embarrassment, or humiliation. Avoidance of social interactions or performance situations.	SSRI – e.g., sertraline or paroxetine (often first‑line); SNRI (venlafaxine) as alternative.
Post‑Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)	Exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. Presence of intrusion, avoidance, negative alterations in cognition/mood, and arousal symptoms for >1 month. Clinically significant distress or impairment.	Intrusive memories, flashbacks, nightmares. Avoidance of trauma reminders. Hyper‑arousal (startle, irritability).	SSRI – e.g., sertraline or paroxetine (FDA‑approved for PTSD).

Disorder

Diagnostic Criteria (DSM‑5)

Core Symptoms

First‑line Pharmacological Treatment

Obsessive‑Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessions/compulsions are time‑consuming (≥1 hour/day) or cause clinically significant distress/impairment.

Repetitive behaviours or mental acts performed to neutralise anxiety (compulsions).

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) – e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline, or clomipramine (a tricyclic).

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)

SSRI – e.g., sertraline or paroxetine (often first‑line); SNRI (venlafaxine) as alternative.

Post‑Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Presence of intrusion, avoidance, negative alterations in cognition/mood, and arousal symptoms for >1 month.

SSRI – e.g., sertraline or paroxetine (FDA‑approved for PTSD).

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