Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

By: Mark Poston

Definition

• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by unwanted repetitive thoughts (obsessions) and/or actions (compulsions)

Common Areas of Focus (Symptoms)

• Many people with OCD fixate on a set of specific thoughts and actions• 40% of people are obsessed with germs and dirt• 24% are obsessed with something bad happening• 17% are obsessed with symmetry, order, or exactness

• These lead to specific repetitive behaviors• 85% of people wash and bathe excessively• 51% repeat a ritual such as locking and unlocking a door or

standing up then sitting down in a chair• 46% repeatedly check doors, locks, brakes, appliances, homework,

etc.

Symptoms

• Obsessions often have themes to them, such as:

• Aggressive or horrific thoughts about harming yourself or others

• Unwanted thoughts, including aggression, or sexual or religious subjects

• Examples of obsession signs and symptoms include:

• Images of hurting yourself or someone else

• Thoughts about shouting obscenities or acting inappropriately

• Distress about unpleasant sexual images repeating in your mind

Symptoms (cont)

• Compulsion symptoms

• Counting

• Checking

• Demanding reassurances

• Following a strict routine

• Examples of compulsion signs and symptoms include:

• Counting in certain patterns

• Silently repeating a prayer, word or phrase

• Arranging your canned goods to face the same way

Personal Example

• My sister (who ironically enough was a psychology major in her undergrad), when she sets an alarm to wake up in the morning she can’t use the numbers 0 or 5, and the last number must be one of the numbers of the time that it currently is• So if she needs to wake up at 6:00 in the morning and the current

time is 9:46 she will set an alarm for 6:14 or 6:16 or 6:19 (if she really needed to wake up at 5:30 she would be willing to use a 5 in the hours digit) or else she thinks that the next day is going to be a bad one

Causes

• The cause of obsessive-compulsive disorder isn't fully understood. Main theories include:

• Biology. OCD may be a result of changes in your body's own natural chemistry or brain functions. OCD may also have a genetic component, but specific genes have yet to be identified.• It is believed that an imbalance of Serotonin may play a large role however• It is also generally associated with many other disorders (tourettes, body

dysmorphic syndrome, and some eating disorders)

• Environment. Some environmental factors such as infections are suggested as a trigger for OCD, but more research is needed to be sure.

Treatments

• The most effective treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder is often cognitive-behavioral therapy. Antidepressants are sometimes used in conjunction with therapy, although medication alone is rarely effective in relieving the symptoms of OCD. Below are some approved drugs for OCD

• Clomipramine (Anafranil)

• Fluvoxamine (Luvox CR)

• Fluoxetine (Prozac)

• Paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva)

• Sertraline (Zoloft)

• A type of therapy called exposure and response prevention (ERP) is the most effective treatment. This 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.

Media

• Overview and treatment of OCD

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoRqPADXGTo

• Stop at 8:15

Bibliography

• David G. Meyers Psychology Text Book

• http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ocd/basics/symptoms/con-20027827

• http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ocd/basics/causes/con-20027827

• http://www.lifescript.com/health/centers/depression/related_conditions/obsessive-compulsive_disorder_ocd.aspx

• http://www.helpguide.org/articles/anxiety/obssessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd.htm