Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Running head: OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

What treatment options are there for OCD and do they work?

Abnormal Psychology 3400

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) has been around for many years. It is very powerful and has the ability to take control over someone’s life, making it nearly impossible for them to function normally. Through many trials and studies certain medications and therapies, often combined, have been found to help with the symptoms of the disorder.

This paper will define OCD as well as provide information on who it affects. There will be a summary of two different medications used to ease the symptoms of the disorder. There will also be a brief description of non medicinal treatments. The first thing that needs to be understood is the nature of OCD.

What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is defined as “recurrent obsessions or compulsions that are severe enough to be time consuming or cause marked distress or significant impairment” (DSM, 2000).

Obsessions are defined as “persistent ideas, thoughts, impulses or images that are experienced as intrusive and inappropriate and that cause marked anxiety or distress” (DSM, 2000). According to the DSM the most common obsessions are “repeated thoughts about contamination, repeated doubts, a need to have things in a particular order, aggressive or horrific impulses and sexual imagery” (DSM, 2000).

Compulsions are repetitive behaviors (hand washing) or mental acts (praying, counting). According to the DSM (2000) the goal for an OCD person to behave this way is to prevent or reduce anxiety or distress. It also lists the most common compulsions which include “washing and cleaning, counting, checking, requesting or demanding assurances, repeating actions and ordering” (DSM, 2000).

“OCD affects roughly 2.2...