Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Running Head: OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Abstract

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a severe and disabling clinical condition that usually arises in late adolescence or early adulthood. Although the exact cause of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is not fully understood, studies have shown that a combination of biological and environmental factors may be involved. The symptoms of OCD, which are the obsessions and compulsions, may vary. There is no cure for OCD, but treatment through psychotherapy and anti-depressant medications can help relieve the symptoms.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by unreasonable thoughts and fears (obsessions) that lead a person to do repetitive behaviors (compulsions). With obsessive-compulsive disorder, someone may realize that their obsessions aren't reasonable, and may try to ignore them or stop them. But that only increases their distress and anxiety. Ultimately, they feel driven to perform compulsive acts in an effort to ease their stressful feelings. Obsessive-compulsive disorder often centers on themes, such as a fear of getting contaminated by germs. To ease contamination fears, a person may compulsively wash their hands until they're sore and chapped. Despite their efforts, thoughts of obsessive-compulsive behavior keep coming back; this leads to more ritualistic behavior.

Obsession Symptoms

Obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms include both obsessions and compulsions. Obsessive-compulsive obsessions are repeated, persistent and unwanted ideas, thoughts, images or impulses that someone has involuntarily and that seem to make no sense. These obsessions typically intrude when they’re trying to think of or do other things. Obsessions often have themes to them, such as: Fear of contamination or dirt, having things orderly and symmetrical, aggressive or horrific impulses, and sexual images or thoughts. Obsession...