Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Learn about OCD and how it effects those who have it.
Definition of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- The disorder interferes with daily life.
- It cannot be explained better by symptoms of other mental disorders
- Is not the result of medications or drugs.
http://beyondocd.org/information-for-individuals/clinical-definition-of-ocd/, 2016):
Body Dysmorphic Disorder
http://beyondocd.org/information-for-individuals/clinical-definition-of-ocd/, 2016)
Hoarding Disorder
http://beyondocd.org/information-for-individuals/clinical-definition-of-ocd/, 2016)
Trichotillomania Disorder
http://beyondocd.org/information-for-individuals/clinical-definition-of-ocd/, 2016)
Characteristic/ Symptoms of OCD
Compulsions:
- Excessive cleaning/ hand washing
- Precise arrangement of objects
- Repetitive counting
- Constantly checking things.(ex: Check if the door is unlocked multiple times.)
Obsessions:
- Germophobia
- Aggression towards oneself or others
- Needing order
Causes
Biology: Areas of the brain aren't responding to serotonin which is used to communicate between nerve cells.
Genetics: People with relatives who have OCD have a higher risk for the disorder.
Environment: People that have been in abusive or traumatic environments also have a higher risk for OCD.
(National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2016)
Drug Treatments
As with anxiolytics, there becomes an increase in GABA causing a calming effect on the body through the slowing of brain activity.
Therapy Treatments
Cognitive Behavior
Goal: To find the problem, challenge it, and replace it with positivity.
Exposure and Response Therapy
Goal: To teach the individual to tolerate their urges until they eventually decrease.
Prevalence of Disorder
JK's Case Study
(http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1371281/?page=1 , 1990)