Psychological Disorder Paper Ocd

Psychological Disorder Paper

PSY 450

March 30, 2013

Monica Morell PhD.

Psychological Disorder Paper

This paper will examine obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and discuss the relationship between human development and socialization and how this relationship affects individuals with OCD.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by unwanted repetitive thoughts (obsessions) and or actions (compulsions) (Shiraev & Levy 2010).

Obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors cross the fine line between normality and disorder when it becomes so persistent that it interferes with the way one lives their life, or when it causes distress (Meyers, 1997). Individuals with OCD feel the need to be repetitive. It is normal to check to see if the door is locked when one leaves their homes, or before going to bed at night however, checking 10 times is not normal. The same goes for compulsive washing of the hands until they are raw, bathing several times a day, or brushing teeth several times per day. These are considered to be compulsions. Obsessions are individuals being concerned with dirt, germs, or toxins. Individuals may also be concerned with bad things happening such as a “fire, illness or death as well as symmetry, order or exactness” (Meyers, 1997, pg. 478).

Effects on Human Development and Socialization

“Human development is viewed as the changes in physical, psychological, and social behavior that are experienced by individuals across the life span, from conception to death” (Shiraev & Levy 2010, pg. 196). “Socialization is the process by which an individual becomes a member of a particular culture and takes on its values and behaviors.

Both human development and socialization are a lifelong process with accelerations and delays, changes in direction, sudden transitions, and long-term conversions” (Shiraev & Levy 2010, pg. 196).

OCD can have a negative effect and critically harm...