Obsessive- Compulsive

Disorder (OCD)

by Jerry Sagrero

Definition

The disorder known as obsessive- compulsive disorder (OCD) involves both components of recurrent obsession and compulsion that interfere significantly with an individuals daily life.

Associated features

Most of the time there is avoidance of situations that involve the contact of the obsession, such as dirt or contamination.

For example, a person with obsession about dirt may avoid public restrooms or shaking hand with strangers .

Associated features

There’s also people that would check to see if you locked the door which is normal; checking 10 times is not. Washing your hands is normal; washing so often that your skin becomes raw is not

You could imagine how distressing it is for people whose thoughts are filled with concerns about contamination, doubts or aggression.

Associated features

The symptoms of OCD are time-consuming, irrational, and distracting, and the individual may desperately wish to stop them.

The most common compulsion involve the repetition of a specific behavior.

Etiology

OCD is increasingly being understood as a genetic disorder, reflecting abnormalities in the basal ganglia, subcritical areas of brain involved in the control of motor movements.

Most of it is in your head, the way you think about thinks but people with OCD over think it and stared getting anxiety for little thing.

Prevalence

At some time during their lives, often during their later teens or twenties, 2 to 3 percent of people cross that line from normal preoccupations and fussiness to debilitating disorder.

OCD is more common among teens and young adults than among older people.

Prevalence

In adults, this disorder is equally common in males and females.

Yet, in kids the disorder is more common in boys than in girls.

community studies have estimated a lifetime prevalence of 2.5% and 1-year prevalence of 0.5%-2.1 in adults.

Treatment

Currently one of the most effective treatments for OCD is a therapy known as exposure and response prevention.

The second line therapies fro OCD patients are SRIs. The drugs typically take 8 to 12 weeks to start working.

Prognosis

Common obsessions:(repetitive thoughts)

Concern with dirt, germs, or toxins

Something terrible happening(fire,death,illness)

Symmetry, order, or exactness.

Prognosis

Compulsions (repetitive behaviors)

Excessive hand washing, bathing, tooth brushing, etz.

Repeating rituals

Checking doors, locks, appliances, car brakes, etz.

References Halgin, R.P. & Whitbourne, S.K. (2005). Aphycology: clinical perspectives on psychological disorders. New york, NY: Mcgrow-hill

Myers, D.G.(2011). Myers’ psychology for AP. New york, NY: Worth publishers.

Wenner, M.(jun 2011). Obsessions revisited. Retriever from <web.ebscohost.com/scirc/detail?vid=4&hid=107&sid=53edca0b-9231-45a9-adfc-0b4788117e0c%40sessionmgr113&bdata=JnNpdGU9c2NpcmMtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=sch&AN=60530735>

Discussion question

Do you know anyone that you think or has obsessive compulsive disorder(OCD)?