Obsessive- Compulsive Disorder (OCD) By: Paige Hollenbeck

Definition OCD is an anxiety disorder in which people have unwanted and repeated thoughts, feelings, ideas, sensations (obsessions), or behaviors that make them feel driven to do something (compulsions)”. Therefore, this person often has to carry out their behaviors in order to get rid of the obsessive thoughts and this will only provide them with temporary relief. If they choose not to perform the obsessive rituals, it may cause them great anxiety.

Themes These could include fears, such as being contaminated by germs, having things orderly and symmetrical or having aggressive or horrific impulses. The harder this individual works to overcome their illness, the worse their symptoms become.

Signs & Symptoms of Obsession Doubts that you have locked the door or turned off the stove, intense stress when objects are not orderly or facing the right way, images of them hurting their children, and impulses to shout obscenities in inappropriate situations.

Compulsions Repetitive behaviors that you feel driven to perform. An example of this would include an individual believing that they hit someone with their car. Until their anxiety or fear is controlled, they will continue to return to the apparent scene multiple times because they cannot control their doubts.

Signs & Symptoms of Compulsion Checking doors repeatedly to make sure that they are locked, counting in certain patterns, and arranging their canned goods to face the same way.” Their compulsions also include themes such as washing and cleaning, counting, checking, demanding reassurances, performing the same actions repeatedly, and orderliness.

Severity of OCD As individuals age, their symptoms will gradually accumulate and the severity of these symptoms will change throughout their life. Symptoms have been known to become worse during times where they are under a large amount of stress. Considered a lifelong illness.

Cause (Biology) May be a result of changes in your body’s own natural chemistry or brain functions. It may also have a genetic component, but specific genes have yet to be identified.

Environment It may stem from behavior-related habits that you learned over time.” These may include aggression or drug and alcohol abuse.

Serotonin An insufficient level of serotonin, one of your brain’s chemical messengers, may be a contributing factor.” People who take medications to improve the action of serotonin often show fewer symptoms.

Complication throughout life May cause suicidal thoughts and behavior or alcohol and substance abuse. These individuals may also experience eating disorders, depression, inability to attend school or work, and overall poor quality of life depending on the severity of their anxiety.

Being Tested 1) Physical Examination 2) Laboratory Tests (CBC, alcohol, drugs, etc) 3) Psychological Examination (thoughts, feelings, symptoms)

In order to be diagnosed… You must meet the criteria spelled out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV). Your obsessions must include recurrent and persistent thoughts, impulses or even images that are intrusive and cause distress. Your compulsions must include repetitive behavior that makes you feel driven to perform acts such as hand washing and counting silently. They perform their behaviors as an attempt to reduce distress about unrealistic obsessions, but it only causes distraction and more anxiety.

Lengthy Process This disorder has symptoms similar to those of generalized anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, depression, or other mental illnesses. Therefore, the diagnosis process can be lengthy and confusing. Doctors may diagnosis you with several different illnesses before they find the true illness or cause.

Treatments Medication or Psychotherapy Therapy: cognitive behavioral therapy. This normally involves retraining your thought patterns and routines with the therapist so that compulsive behaviors are no longer necessary. Medication: (Antidepressants) they cannot be stopped abruptly. Like being on a steroid, you have to be tapered off of antidepressants so that you do not experience withdrawal symptoms

Preventing OCD As of now, there is no sure way to prevent obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, being diagnosed with this condition immediately can help prevent your illness from worsening.

Coping with OCD In order to reduce stress levels and worsening of symptoms, try to stay away from activities that seem to trigger your OCD. You may have to take up an extra hobby, yoga or meditation to find healthy ways to deal with your energy.