OCD
Obsessive Compulsion Disorder
Definition of OCD
In the DSM 5 OCD is its own category.
Obsession: an idea or thought that continually preoccupies or intrudes on a person's mind.
Compulsions: an irresistible urge to behave in a certain way, especially against one's conscious wishes.
Symptoms
- cleaning to reduce the fear that real or imagined germs, dirt, or chemicals will contaminate you and your surroundings
- ordering and arranging to reduce discomfort
- checking to reduce the fear of harming oneself or others (constantly checking behind yourself)
Causes
- Biology. OCD may be a result of changes in your body's own natural chemistry or brain functions. OCD may also have a genetic component, but specific genes have yet to be identified. -(Mayo Clinic Staff
- Environment. Some environmental factors such as infections are suggested as a trigger for OCD, but more research is needed to be sure. -(Mayo Clinic Staff)
Medication
Treatment
Clinical Example 1
A woman seeks help for low self-esteem. The therapist might help the client identify her automatic negative thought patterns called cognitive distortions. This stage of treatment is referred to as functional analysis. Together, they identify the client’s automatic thought, “I am worthless.” The therapist then helps her learn to interrupt this thought pattern and replace it with a more positive one of her choosing, such as “I have value.” They would attempt to do this with other cognitive distortions that contribute to her low self-esteem. -(CBT or Psychodynamic Therapy?)
Who can get OCD?
OCD affects 2.3% of the U.S population