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Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by repetitive, unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and irrational, excessive urges to do certain actions (compulsions). Although people with OCD may know that their thoughts and behaviors don't make sense, they are often unable to stop them.
Symptoms typically begin in childhood, the teenage years, or young adulthood. Although, males often develop symptom at a younger age than females. 1.2% of adults experience OCD each year.
Most people have occasional obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors. in obsessive-compulsive disorder, however, these symptoms generally last more than an hour each day and interfere with daily life.
These are upsetting and sometimes irrational thoughts and impulses that occur repeatedly. People with OCD can recognize that these obsessions are irrational but are still afraid that somehow they might be true. They may try to ignore or suppress these obsessions. The anxiety associated with suppression can also become too great to endure, making them engage in compulsive behaviors to decrease the anxiety.
Examples of obsessions include:
These are repetitive acts that temporarily relieve the stress and anxiety brought on by an obsession. People with OCD know that these rituals don't make sense but feel that they must preform them to relieve the anxiety and, in some cases, to prevent something bad from happening. Like obsessions, people may try not to preform the compulsive acts but feel forced to do so to relieve the anxiety.
Examples of compulsions include:
The exact cause of OCD is unknown, but researchers believe that certain areas of the brain may not respond normally to serotonin, a chemical that some nerve cells use to communicate with each other.
Genetics are important to OCD too. If you, your parent, or a sibling have OCD, there's a 25% chance that another immediate family member will have it too.
A doctor or mental health care professional will make a diagnosis of OCD. A general physical with blood tests is recommended to eliminate other potential causes of the symptoms.
To be diagnosed with OCD a person must have:
A typical treatment plan for OCD will usually include both psychotherapy and medication. Combining both treatments is usually the most effective.
Antidepressants are prescribed to help lessen symptoms of OCD. A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) is an antidepressant that is used to reduce obsessive behaviors and compulsions.
Talk therapy with a mental health professional can help to provide tools that allow changes in thoughts and behavior patterns.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure response therapy (ERT) are types of psychotherapy that are effective for many people.
Exposure and response prevention (ERP) is aimed at allowing a person with OCD to deal with the anxiety associated with obsessive thoughts in other ways, rather than engaging in the compulsive behavior. Over time, this leads to less anxiety and more self-mastery.
Though OCD cannot be cured, it can be treated effectively.