## DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria for OCD **Key Point:** DSM-5 requires a minimum symptom duration of **at least 1 month** for OCD diagnosis in adults (and 2 weeks in children). ### Duration Requirement The obsessions or compulsions must be present for at least 1 month to meet diagnostic threshold. This distinguishes OCD from transient intrusive thoughts that most people experience. ### Full DSM-5 Criteria Summary | Criterion | Requirement | |-----------|-------------| | **Obsessions or Compulsions** | At least one present | | **Recognition** | Person recognizes obsessions/compulsions as excessive (insight may vary) | | **Functional Impairment** | Significant distress or impairment in occupational, social, or personal functioning | | **Duration** | At least 1 month (adults); 2 weeks (children) | | **Exclusion** | Not attributable to substance use or medical condition | **High-Yield:** The 1-month threshold is a high-yield fact frequently tested in NEET PG. It separates OCD from normal intrusive thoughts and other anxiety disorders with shorter symptom durations. **Clinical Pearl:** In clinical practice, many patients report symptom onset years before diagnosis due to shame and secrecy; the 1-month criterion applies to the current episode being evaluated. 
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