Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)By: Abel De la Trinidad

• Who is most at risk for OCD?• What its used to diagnose ODC?

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is

characterized by unreasonable thoughts and fears (obsessions)

• With OCD, you may or may not realize that your obsessions aren't reasonable.• But that only increases your distress and anxiety.

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. • Environment:• Some environmental factors such as infections are

suggested as a trigger for OCD

Sings• Hand-washing:• Compulsive hand-washing or hand sanitizer use is so

prevalent

• Overzealous cleaning:• tend to clean compulsively.

• Checking behavior:• returning three, four, or even 20 times to make sure the

oven is off or the front door is locked

• Organization:• People with OCD can take organizing to the level of

perfectionism.

What symptoms occur in OCD?• Obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms usually

include both obsessions and compulsions. • Possible to only have ONE of these Symptoms.• ALSO• About one-third of people with OCD• have a disorder that includes sudden, brief,

intermittent movements or sounds (tics)

Obsession symptoms• OCD obsessions are repeated• persistent and unwanted urges or images that cause

distress or anxiety

• Obsessions often have themes to them, such as:• Fear of contamination or dirt• Having things orderly and symmetrical• 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:

• Fear of being contaminated by shaking hands or by touching objects others have touched

• Doubts that you've locked the door or turned off the stove• Intense stress when objects aren't orderly or facing a

certain way• Images of hurting yourself or someone else• Thoughts about shouting obscenities or acting

inappropriately• Avoidance of situations that can trigger obsessions, such

as shaking hands• Distress about unpleasant sexual images repeating in your

mind

Compulsion symptoms• OCD compulsions are repetitive behaviors that you

feel driven to perform. • These repetitive behaviors are meant to prevent or reduce

anxiety related to your obsessions or prevent something bad from happening.

• As with obsessions, compulsions typically have themes, such as:

• Washing and cleaning• Counting• Checking• Demanding reassurances• Following a strict routine• Orderliness

Examples of compulsion signs and symptoms include:• Hand-washing until your skin becomes raw• Checking doors repeatedly to make sure they're

locked• Checking the stove repeatedly to make sure it's

off• Counting in certain patterns• Silently repeating a prayer, word or phrase• Arranging your canned goods to face the same

way

Who is at risk?• Factors that may increase the risk of developing

or triggering obsessive-compulsive disorder include:

• Family history:• Having parents or other family members with the disorder

can increase your risk of developing OCD

• Stressful life events:• If you've experienced traumatic or stressful events

Treatments • Psychotherapy.• It teaches a person different ways of thinking, behaving,

and reacting to situations.• Help him or her feel less anxious or fearful without having

obsessive thoughts or acting compulsively.

• Medication.• Doctors also may prescribe medication to help treat OCD.• Anti-anxiety medications• Are powerful and there are different types.

• Antidepressants• Used to treat depression

What its used to diagnose ODC?• Physical exam.• This may be done to help rule out other problems

• Lab tests.• A complete blood count • screening for alcohol and drugs

• Psychological evaluation.• A doctor or mental health provider asks about your

thoughts, feelings, symptoms and behavior patterns.

Medication side effects and risks

• Side effects.• Medications have potential side effects: • which may include stomach upset, sleep disturbance, sweating and reduced interest in sexual activity.

Any Suicide risk?• Most antidepressants are generally safe,• In some cases, children, teenagers and young

adults under 25 may:• have an increase in suicidal thoughts or behavior when

taking antidepressants

• Keep in mind that antidepressants are more likely to reduce suicide risk in the long run by improving mood.

• "Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)." : Symptoms, Behavior, and Treatment. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Apr. 2014.

• http://www.helpguide.org/mental/obsessive_compulsive_disorder_ocd.htm

•  Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, OCD." NIMH RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Apr. 2014

• http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd/index.shtml

• "Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD)." Definition. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Apr. 2014

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