OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is described as an anxiety disorder. The condition

has two main parts: obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are unwelcome thoughts, images,

urges or doubts that repeatedly appear in your mind. These obsessions are often frightening or

seem so horrible that you cant share them with others. Compulsions are repetitive activities that

you feel you must do. However, the process of repeating these compulsions is often distressing

and any relief you feel is often short-lived.

Who Suffers from OCD?

Over four million people in the U.S. suffer from OCD, or up to one in every 50

Americans. OCD affects men, women, and children, as well as people of all races, religions, and

socioeconomic backgrounds. OCD can start at any age although most commonly in childhood,

adolescence, or early adulthood. It is a waxing and waning disorder, but left untreated the

disorder can escalate in severity.

What are the common signs of OCD?

Although everyone will have their own experiences, there are several common obsessions

and compulsions that occur as part of OCD.

Common obsessions. The three most common themes are: unwanted thoughts about

harm or aggression, unwanted sexual thoughts and unwanted blasphemous thoughts. Obsessions

often appear closely linked to your individual situation.

washing or checking, or mental compulsions, e.g. repeating a specific word or phrase.

What causes OCD?

There are different theories about why OCD develops, but none of these theories have

been found to fully explain every persons experience.

Dysfunctional beliefs. One theory suggests that OCD develops because of

dysfunctional beliefs and interpretations. If you experience OCD, you might believe that you

have more responsibility for a situation than you actually do. Because of this, your reaction may

be out of proportion.

Personal experience. Some psychological theories suggest that OCD is caused by

personal experience. It is thought that if you have had a painful childhood experience or suffered

trauma or abuse, you might learn to use obsessions and compulsions to cope with anxiety.

Biological factors. Some biological theories suggest that a lack of the brain chemical

serotonin may have a role in OCD. However, experts disagree about what that role is, and it is

unclear whether a lack of serotonin causes OCD or is the effect of having the condition.

How do you treat Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder treatment may not result in a cure, but it can help bring

symptoms under control so that they don't rule your daily life. Some people need treatment for

the rest of their lives. The two main treatments for OCD are psychotherapy and medications.

Psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a type of psychotherapy, is

effective for many people with OCD. Exposure and response prevention (ERP), a type of CBT
therapy, involves gradually exposing you to a feared object or obsession, such as dirt, and having

you learn healthy ways to cope with your anxiety.

Medications. Certain psychiatric medications can help control the obsessions and

compulsions of OCD. Most commonly, antidepressants are tried first. Antidepressants approved

by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat OCD include: Clomipramine (Anafranil),

Fluoxetine (Prozac), Fluvoxamine, Paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva), and Sertraline (Zoloft).

Other treatment. Sometimes, medications and psychotherapy aren't effective enough to

control OCD symptoms. Research continues on the potential effectiveness of deep brain

stimulation (DBS) for treating OCD that doesn't respond to traditional treatment approaches.

Because DBS hasn't been thoroughly tested for use in treating OCD, make sure you understand

all the pros and cons and possible health risks.

How Can Someone Get Help for OCD?

People who think they have OCD or think they know someone who might should talk to

a qualified mental health professional with expertise in anxiety disorders. One option that may

help is OCD Counseling. People can get better if they seek help and get the appropriate

treatment.

Facts About OCD

OCD is a psychiatric illness recognized by experts throughout the world.

OCD is an anxiety disorder characterized by symptoms that can include powerful,

unwanted, or recurrent thoughts and/or compulsive, repetitive behaviors.

United States.

People with OCD are not "crazy," although they may sometimes feel that way because

they are troubled by thoughts and actions that they know are inappropriate.

People with OCD are often anxious and depressed.

People with OCD often believe they are the only ones who have irrational, obsessive

thoughts, and are therefore often ashamed and afraid to tell anyone or to seek help.

Having OCD is not a sign of weakness or a lack of willpower in stopping the thoughts

and behaviors.

Although the exact cause is not known, experts believe that OCD may be caused in part

by an imbalance of a chemical in the brain called serotonin.

OCD is a treatable disease; effective medications and behavioral therapy techniques are

available.

Sources:

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Mayo Clinic Staff. Mayo Clinic.

www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obsessive-compulsive-disorder

Facts About OCD. M. Williams, Ph.D. BrainPhysics.com.

www.brainphysics.com/ocd.php

Understanding obsessive-compulsive disorder. Mind: for better mental health. Mind.org.uk.

www.mentalhealth.org.nz/assets/A.../Understanding-OCD-MIND-UK-2013.pdf
APURA, ALYSSA KARLA N.

BSCOE 2-FS1N