Obsessive Compulsive Disorders

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder characterized by intrusive and persistent thoughts, impulses, and behaviors - known as obsessions and compulsions - that patients feel they need to perform lest they experience punishment, disapproval, or distress. Obsessions are persistent ideas, thoughts, impulses, or images that some individuals find distressing and anxiety-provoking, such as fear of contamination, fears of harm happening to oneself or to loved ones, concerns about acting in a moral or socially-acceptable manner, or confusion about following religious principles. Compulsions, on the other hand, are the irresistible urges to perform a certain ritualistic behavior, typically over and over again - such as excessive hand-washing, counting, repeating words, or checking and rechecking. These obsessions and compulsions can cause a great deal of distress, leading to impaired functioning in social, occupational, or other areas of life, and even leading to physical illness due to the stress of the condition. People with OCD can become so involved in their symptoms that they may have difficulty attending to the needs of everyday life, and may even be unable to leave home or work except as part of their ritualistic behavior. Treatment for OCD includes cognitive behavior therapy and medications (antidepressants and antipsychotics). Cognitive behavior therapy is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on helping patients identify and question unhealthy or irrational thoughts and behaviors in order to replace them with healthier, more realistic thinking and behavior patterns. Medication is often effective in reducing the severity of OCD symptoms, and in some cases, can even reverse them. Antidepressants, such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft), can reduce symptoms in as little as ten to 14 weeks. Antipsychotics, such as olanzapine, quetiapine (Seroquel), or risperidone can also be used, and are especially helpful for more severe symptoms, or when the patient does not respond to an antidepressant. It is important to remember that OCD is treatable, and the earlier it is diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome is likely to be. With the right help, individuals with OCD can live a full and meaningful life.