Obsessive Compulsive Disorder What is it?
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| Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
What is it? Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder in which a person can’t stop thinking about something (obsesses) and does an action repeatedly (compulsively) in order to relieve the anxiety. Usually obsessions and compulsions are related, for example, worrying about germs and washing one’s hands repeatedly. How common is it? OCD is more common than was previously thought. It is estimated that the prevalence of OCD among adults in the US is 1% in 2005. What are the risk factors for OCD? Factors that can contribute to the development of OCD include, genetic predisposition (family genes), stressful life events, age (OCD generally begins in early childhood), and personality factors (for example, shy children are at greater risk). What are the signs and symptoms of OCD? Excessive or unreasonable worry about something and excessive or unreasonable repetitions of a particular behavior (rituals or compulsions). What is the treatment? OCD is most effectively treated with a combination of talk therapy (in particular, cognitive behavioral therapy) and medication (for example, an SSRI such as Prozac). Three myths about this disorder: Myth: OCD is a personality flaw in people who are just being picky or fussy or anal. Fact: Being fussy is not OCD. The obsessions and compulsions of people with OCD cause serious distress, are time-consuming (more than 1 hour per day), and interfere with normal routines, such as work, social activities, or relationships with others. Myth: OCD is caused by stress, so people with OCD just need to learn to relax and stop obsessing. Fact: OCD is a fully accepted, debilitating, chronic psychiatric disorder that has been classified by the psychiatric community, and is treatable. Although the causes of OCD are unclear, stress can exacerbate OCD symptoms. Myth: OCD behavior is caused by a dysfunctional childhood or poor self-esteem. Fact: The causes of OCD are not entirely clear. Studies suggest that at least one chemical messenger in the brain, serotonin, may be associated with OCD. Two famous people who have suffered this disorder: Cameron Diaz, American actress Donald Trump, American business executive and media personality Citations: "Obsessive Compulsive Disorders (OCD) Myths." OCDcenter.org. Jazz Pharmaceuticals, n.d. Web. 18 Sep 2011. "Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Among Adults." National Institute of Mental Health. US Department of Health and Human Services, n.d. Web. 18 Sep 2011. "Famous People with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder." Disabled World. Disabled World, 25 Jan 2008. Web. 18 Sep 2011. "Obsessive Compulsive Disorder." Teens Health. Nemours Foundation, Nov 2008. Web. 18 Sep 2011. Directory: files -> 2011 2011 -> Sci-145: Introduction to Meteorology Lecture Note Packet 3 Chapter 9: weather forecasting 2011 -> Jared Allen nfl all-Pro Defensive End, Minnesota Vikings 2011 -> 1 Laboratory Safety Monograph a supplement to the nih guidelines for 2011 -> Technological Democratization Running Head: technological democratization 2011 -> Table of contents coaching staff 2011 -> All-Region Teams 2011 -> Europe’s Promise: Why the European Way is the Best Hope in an Insecure Age 2011 -> The St. Louis Cardinal’s Miracle Run At the beginning of September, no one would have guessed that the St. Louis Cardinals would be playing in the World Series, let alone making the playoffs 2011 -> March 2011 Top News 2011 -> The St. Louis Cardinal’s Miracle Run At the beginning of September, no one would have guessed that the St. Louis Cardinals would be playing in the World Series, let alone making the playoffs Download 6.53 Kb. Share with your friends:
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