Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Information compiled from:
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
Additional Resources listed below.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a specific type of anxiety disorder that manifests itself through intrusive and persistent thoughts or impulses and compulsive behaviors or rituals. Most scientific research suggests that OCD is the result of a chemical imbalance in the brain. Heredity also appears to be a strong factor in causing OCD. If someone suffers from OCD, there is a 25 percent chance that one of her/his family members will also suffer from it. OCD usually starts at an early age, often before adolescence. It may be mistaken for autism, pervasive developmental disorder, or Tourette's syndrome. OCD can occur in people from all walks of life and ethnic groups, both male and female. Individuals with OCD most often know that their obsessions are senseless or exaggerated and that the compulsive behaviors are unnecessary or extreme, but still feel overwhelming pressure to carry out the compulsion.
Characteristics:
For a person with OCD, obsessions and compulsions are very severe and consume the person's time in such a way that it may interfere with all aspects of daily life. Common compulsive behaviors include excessive hand washing, putting an item of clothing on and then taking it off, placing things in a certain order, and hoarding objects so that nothing of value will be lost. Other common compulsive tendencies may include, fear of touching others, constant arrangement and organization of belongings, and excessive concern with body image.
Treatment:
Those suffering from compulsive disorders do not respond well to treatment because pleasure is obtained from these activities and an individual would not ordinarily wish to stop them, except for the secondary problems they may cause. Like depression, OCD tends to worsen, as the patient grows older, if left untreated. If detected early, scientists hope that treatment will lessen the symptoms while still young.
OCD can be effectively treated with medication and behavior therapy. Both affect brain chemistry, which in turn affects behavior. Medication can regulate seratonin, reducing obsessive thoughts and compulsive behavior.
Behavior therapy is not traditional psychotherapy. It is "exposure and response prevention," and it has been found to be effective for many people with OCD. Patients are deliberately exposed to a feared object or idea, and then are discouraged or prevented from carrying out the usual compulsive response.
Resources:
Obsessive Compulsive Foundation: www.ocfoundation.org/index.html
This website offers a definition of OCD, related disorders, treatment options, OCD in children, medications for adults and children, a screening test, and related articles.