Bettina Pfeiffer

WHAT IS OCD? Obsession- a thought, image or impulse that occurs repeatedly outside of the person’s control. Compulsion- an act that is performed repeatedly usually in accordance to a certain set of rules. A disorder that interferes with information processing Characterized by repeated thoughts and compulsions (usually unpleasant thoughts) and ritualistic behaviors A compulsive act is performed due to an obsession (e.g. checking to make sure the stove is off repeatedly because you are continuously afraid you left it on.) OCD can begin at any age but the first signs of OCD usually surface before the age of 40 Described as mental hiccups by those who have the disorder

SYMPTOMS Excessive worries, doubts or superstitious beliefs. Most adults with the disorder realize that their thoughts and responses are irrational separating OCD patients from obsessive-compulsive personality disorder patients who experience many of the same symptoms but are not able to recognize that they have a problem. The obsessions and their responses are often very time consuming therefore interfere with the person’s daily life.

CAUSES Genetics- people with a history of OCD in their family are more likely to have the disorder. Some children develop OCD after having a streptococcus infection (strep throat) in which their immune system has attacked some normally healthy cells. This form of OCD usually fades out within a few months after the infection and can be treated with antibiotics.

OCD is believed to involve abnormalities in the orbital frontal cortex, the Caudate nucleus and the limbic system (the areas associated with skill learning, anxiety and habit formation.) These areas of the brain all use the chemical messenger serotonin. Low levels of serotonin are also believed to be involved in OCD.

TREATMENTS Cognitive- Cognitive behavioral therapy- the cognitive part involves reducing the patients exaggerated thought pattern. The behavioral therapy includes exposure and response prevention. Exposure is when the patient is continuously exposed to their worries until the anxiety disappears. Response prevention is when the patient is told not only to expose themselves to their fears but not to respond the way they usually do (e.g. if the patient is always worried about germs, they will be told to stay in contact with things that they consider to have too many germs and then they will be told not to wash their hands every time they come in contact with these objects.) Learning- Relaxation techniques- learning ways to relax such as breathing deeply or finding and learning to do an activity that relaxes the patient can help relieve the stress that can sometimes trigger OCD. Biological- Serotonin enhancers (anti-depressants) - Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil. Surgery- involves creating lesions in a part of the brain. The name of the procedure depends on which part is affected. (surgery is a very uncommon choice)