1. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) By: Mark Poston

2. Definition Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by unwanted repetitive thoughts (obsessions) and/or actions (compulsions)

3. Common Areas of Focus (Symptoms) Many people with OCD fixate on a set of specific thoughts and actions 40% of people are obsessed with germs and dirt 24% are obsessed with something bad happening 17% are obsessed with symmetry, order, or exactness These lead to specific repetitive behaviors 85% of people wash and bathe excessively 51% repeat a ritual such as locking and unlocking a door or standing up then sitting down in a chair 46% repeatedly check doors, locks, brakes, appliances, homework, etc.

4. Symptoms Obsessions often have themes to them, such as: Aggressive or horrific thoughts about harming yourself or others Unwanted thoughts, including aggression, or sexual or religious subjects Examples of obsession signs and symptoms include: Images of hurting yourself or someone else Thoughts about shouting obscenities or acting inappropriately Distress about unpleasant sexual images repeating in your mind

5. Symptoms (cont) Compulsion symptoms Counting Checking Demanding reassurances Following a strict routine Examples of compulsion signs and symptoms include: Counting in certain patterns Silently repeating a prayer, word or phrase Arranging your canned goods to face the same way

6. Personal Example My sister (who ironically enough was a psychology major in her undergrad), when she sets an alarm to wake up in the morning she can’t use the numbers 0 or 5, and the last number must be one of the numbers of the time that it currently is So if she needs to wake up at 6:00 in the morning and the current time is 9:46 she will set an alarm for 6:14 or 6:16 or 6:19 (if she really needed to wake up at 5:30 she would be willing to use a 5 in the hours digit) or else she thinks that the next day is going to be a bad one

7. Causes The cause of obsessive-compulsive disorder isn't fully understood. Main theories include: 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. It is believed that an imbalance of Serotonin may play a large role however It is also generally associated with many other disorders (tourettes, body dysmorphic syndrome, and some eating disorders) Environment. Some environmental factors such as infections are suggested as a trigger for OCD, but more research is needed to be sure.

8. Treatments The most effective treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder is often cognitive-behavioral therapy. Antidepressants are sometimes used in conjunction with therapy, although medication alone is rarely effective in relieving the symptoms of OCD. Below are some approved drugs for OCD Clomipramine (Anafranil) Fluvoxamine (Luvox CR) Fluoxetine (Prozac) Paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) Sertraline (Zoloft) A type of therapy called exposure and response prevention (ERP) is the most effective treatment. This therapy involves gradually exposing you to a feared object or obsession, such as dirt, and having you learn healthy ways to cope with your anxiety.

9. Media Overview and treatment of OCD https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoRqPADXGTo Stop at 8:15

10. Bibliography David G. Meyers Psychology Text Book http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases- conditions/ocd/basics/symptoms/con-20027827 http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases- conditions/ocd/basics/symptoms/con-20027827 http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases- conditions/ocd/basics/causes/con-20027827 http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases- conditions/ocd/basics/causes/con-20027827 http://www.lifescript.com/health/centers/depression/related_co nditions/obsessive-compulsive_disorder_ocd.aspx http://www.lifescript.com/health/centers/depression/related_co nditions/obsessive-compulsive_disorder_ocd.aspx http://www.helpguide.org/articles/anxiety/obssessive- compulsive-disorder-ocd.htm http://www.helpguide.org/articles/anxiety/obssessive- compulsive-disorder-ocd.htm