Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

What is OCD? Obsessive compulsive disorder, more commonly known as OCD, is a disorder in which people have unwanted thoughts (obsessions) that make them feel the need to do something repetitively. What causes OCD? The exact cause of obsessive compulsive disorder is unknown. However, research suggests that it runs in families, and genes likely play a role. OCD occurs when there are problems in communication between the front part of the brain and the deeper part. Also, symptoms are sometimes worsened by stress. Who does OCD affect? Obsessive compulsive disorder affects every age, adult, adolescents, and children. It is most commonly diagnosed by the age of 19 and it tends to appear from ages 8-12 or in the late teen years. About 500,000 kids/teens and about 2-3 million adults in the United States have OCD. Symptoms: Symptoms depend on the patient, however these are some common thoughts a person with OCD might have. Obsessions- Obsessions are upsetting repetitive thoughts or impulses. Examples of Obsessions-

• Fear of contamination

• Being scared to touch things that might be dirty

• Difficulty dealing with uncertainty

• Doubting you locked the door or turned the lights off

• Intense thoughts of losing control

• Thoughts of shouting things in public

• Image of driving your car into something

• Needing things orderly or in a certain way

• Strong stress when something is not facing a certain way

Compulsions- Compulsions are repetitive acts brought on by obsessions. People with compulsions often think these acts will prevent something bad from happening. Examples of Compulsions-

• Cleaning

• Washing your hands excessively

• Checking

• Checking doors excessively to make sure it is locked

• Counting

• Counting in certain patterns

• Repeating a specific word or phrase quietly

• Strict Schedule

• Arranging things in a specific way

People with OCD often do not want to do these things, and feel powerless to stop. It is important to note that many people without OCD also have distressing thoughts or impulsive behaviors similar to the symptoms above. For people with OCD, these thoughts are persistent and disrupt daily life. Diagnosis: A doctor might do a blood test to make sure that nothing else is causing symptoms. Next, one of the most used tools to diagnose is the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale which tests common obsessions or compulsions. Treatment: There is no cure for OCD, however treatments include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Behavioral therapy can help change your thinking patterns. People in CBT learn to cope with their obsessions without ritualistic behaviors.

• Relaxation: Things like meditation and yoga can help reduce stress and symptoms.

• Medication: Psychiatric drugs help many people with their obsessions and compulsions.

People with mild to moderate symptoms are usually treated with CBT or medication, and people with more severe symptoms are usuaaly recommended both. Sources: https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/ocd/what-is-obsessive-compulsive-disorder https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/obsessive-compulsive-disorder#:~:text=Obsessive%2Dcompulsive%20disorder%20(OCD)%20is%20a%20mental%20illness%20that,nails%20or%20thinking%20negative%20thoughts. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20354432 https://iocdf.org/about-ocd/who-gets/