Northern Caribbean University
Marsha Anderson
Oral Communication
Informative Speech Outline
Title: Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder
Specific Purpose:To inform my audience about the symptoms,
causes and treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Personality
Disorder
Thesis Statement:Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an
anxiety disorder characterized by unreasonable thoughts and fears
(this is called obsessions), which leads a person to do repetitive
behaviors (this is called compulsions). The person with
obsessive-compulsive disorder may realize that their obsessions are
not rational, and may try to ignore or stop them, but that only
increases the distress and anxiety. Ultimately, they feel driven to
perform compulsive acts in an effort to ease their stressful
feelingsIntroduction1. Open with impact:David is a 40-year-old
accountant who is divorced and lives alone confessed that his
marriage ended because of his ways of doing things. David repeats
everything he does (e.g., reading, writing, locking doors) at least
three times to ensure that he has done every task perfectly. He
says that the more anxious and stressed he is, the more times he
needs to repeat a task. At work, he repeatedly checks everything he
does, particularly forms and other written work. He states that it
often takes him a long as 6 hours just to address an envelope,
because he worries that something bad might happen. David knows
that his need for perfection and fears caused his marriage to fail
and makes him less productive at work, but he worries that if he
does not succumb to the impulses that drive him something bad will
happen.
2.Focus (purpose statement): OCD obsessions are repeated,
persistent and unwanted ideas, thoughts, images or impulses that
the afflicted person has involuntarily and that seem to make no
sense. These obsessions typically intrude when they are trying to
think of or do other things. The obsession leads to compulsions or
repetitive behaviors that they feel driven to perform. These
repetitive behaviors are meant to prevent or reduce anxiety related
to the obsessions.3. Connect with your audience: People with OCD
are often acutely embarrassed about their symptoms and will put
great effort into hiding them. Before the disorder is identified
and treated, families may become deeply involved in the sufferers
rituals, which can cause distress and disruption to family
memberBody
Speech Preview/ Transition:I would first like to discuss the
symptoms to Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder1. Main Point: Symptoms of
obsessions are persistent unwanted ideas, thoughts, images or
impulses that involuntarily occur and make no sense. These
obsessions drive the person to perform compulsive repetitive
behaviors; the behaviours are meant to prevent or reduce anxiety
related to the obsessions. Themes of the obsessions and resulted
compulsion include: A.Fear of contamination from germs or dirt:
i.Washing skin until it is raw and cleaning excessively until
exhausted
ii.Demanding reassurances
B.Excessive concern with symmetry and order, i.Performing the
same action repeatedly ii.Placing objects in certain order, by
height colour or shape they assume is perfectC.Aggressive or
horrific impulses and sexual images or thoughts
i.Repeatedly checking in on loved ones to make sure they are
safe.
ii.Counting, tapping, repeating certain words, or doing other
senseless things to reduce anxietySpeech Preview/ Transition: Now
that I have told you about the symptoms of OCD I will look at the
some of the speculative caused2. Main Point: The cause of
obsessive-compulsive disorder is not fully understood however there
are some theories that indicate the causes.
A. Insufficient serotonini.A brain chemical messenger B. Biology
or Family historyi.Change in body chemical
ii. Family history of the disorderC. Stressful life
eventsi.experiencing deathii. Changes in routine such as
schoolSpeech Preview/ Transition: Knowing the symptoms and the
causes of OCD are the first steps before starting an effective
treatment.3.Maine Point: OCD will not go away by itself, so it is
important to seek treatment. The most effective approach to
treating OCD combines medications with cognitive behavioral therapy
and self-help technique
A. Cognitive behavioral therapyi. Teaching the afflicted to face
their fearsB. Along with therapy, pills can also be used to treat
this disorder.i. Administering antidepressantC. Anxiety management
techniquesi. Practicing self help techniques CONCLUSION
In conclusion,I hope you were able to gain new knowledge about
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder its symptoms, causes and treatments.
The symptoms being both the obsessive and the compulsive, the
causes being genetic and traumatic, and the treatments being
therapy, antidepressants and self help. OCD is one of many mental
disorders that plague everyday people and it is important for the
public to be aware and develop an understanding of those that find
themselves afflicted.
Bibliography of works cited:
http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/behavior/OCD.html#http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/DS00189
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd/index.shtmlhttp://www.studymode.com/course-notes/Speech-Outline-On-Ocd-1612849.html
http://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/obsessive-compulsive-disorder1
