Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric disorder, which can be persistent and debilitating. It is an anxiety disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repeated behaviors (compulsions). Obsessions usually involve ideas of contamination, danger, or the fear of having done something wrong or not correct. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts which a person feels compelled to perform in order to alleviate the anxiety caused by the obsessive thoughts. Common compulsions include excessive hand washing, counting, and checking. People with OCD experience persistent and unwanted thoughts as well as impulses that cause severe anxiety. This anxiety leads the person to perform specific tasks or rituals. The rituals are meant to reduce the anxiety caused by obsessive thoughts, however, in most cases, the rituals are ineffective and only temporarily reduce the anxiety. Even after performing the rituals, the person may feel the compulsion to repeat them as the obsession, or fear, persists. In order to be diagnosed with OCD, two criteria must be met: obsessions and compulsions. OCD has been shown to be a life-long disorder and is one of the top five mental health disorders in adults. OCD is also seen in children and adolescents, but is considerably less common than in adults. It appears to run in families, although its cause is still unknown, thus making early diagnosis and intervention very important. Cognitive behavior therapy is the primary treatment for OCD. This form of therapy focuses on teaching the person to challenge their thoughts and beliefs in attempts to change their behavior.