Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

A person with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) suffers from recurring, unwanted, stressful thoughts that persist despite attempts to ignore them. Some common obsessions people experience relate to:
  • aggressive impulses
  • cleanliness
  • sexual desires
  • symmetry.
OCD is different from obsessive compulsive personality disorder (OPCD). People with OPCD are focused on perfectionism in general, while OCD is more often characterized by repetitive, ritualistic behaviors.

Causes of OCD

While OCD has not yet been attributed to any specific cause, the disorder usually begins during childhood. Obsessive compulsive disorder in children is not uncommon. In fact, almost one-third of adults diagnosed with OCD showed symptoms as children.
 
Some psychologists and mental health experts believe that OCD is caused by learned behaviors. Others attribute the condition to abnormal levels of serotonin or other chemicals or hormones that affect the brain. In an OCD study, patients who took medication to raise their levels of serotonin showed fewer symptoms.
 
A few controversial studies have suggested that strep throat could a cause of obsessive compulsive disorder.

Symptoms of OCD

Obsessive compulsive disorder is diagnosed after an evaluation from a mental health professional. OCD can sometimes be difficult to diagnose because it is easy to confuse with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
 
To be diagnosed with OCD, a person must exhibit obsessive or compulsive behavior that interferes with daily life. To address these obsessions, some sufferers develop repetitive, compulsive behaviors, or "rituals", such as:
  • cleaning
  • counting
  • demanding reassurance
  • organizing items
  • repeating certain actions.
People with OCD typically feel the need to complete their rituals, regardless of the inconvenience to others or the excessive disruption to their own lives.
 
People at risk for obsessive compulsive disorder are those with family members who have the disease and those who experience strong reactions to stressful events. Pregnancy may trigger OCD, but it affects women and men in equal numbers.

OCD Treatment

While no cure for OCD has been found, a combination of therapy and medication often keeps symptoms under control. In therapy, a popular method for overcoming fear is through exposure and desensitization to the source of anxiety.
 
Medications typically used to treat OCD include antidepressants and serotonin.
 
Resources
 
Aronson, S. C., & Greenberg, W. M. (2007). Obsessive-compulsive disorder. Retrieved April 22, 2008, from the eMedicine Web site: http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic1654.htm.
 
Mayo Clinic Staff (2008). Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Retrieved April 22, 2008, from the Mayo Clinic Web site: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/DS00189/DSECTION=1.
 
National Institute of Mental Health (2008). Obsessive-compulsive disorder. Retrieved April 22, 2008, from the National Institute of Mental Health Web site: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/anxiety-disorders/obsessive-compulsive-disorder.shtml.