ABOUT/DESCRIPTION
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is marked by intrusive, reoccurring irrational thoughts or impulses (
obsessions). Typical obsessions include fear of contamination by dirt or germs (cleanliness), persistent doubts that some important task was not completed (
Did I lock the door before leaving? Did I leave the coffee pot on? ), and the obsessive need to have items arranged in a particular fashion (orderliness).
In an effort to minimize, or cope with these persistent, nagging thoughts and decrease the anxiety created by the obsession, OCD sufferers engage in repetitive behaviors or rituals (compulsions). Typical compulsions include hand washing and relentless cleaning, frequent 'checking' (doors are locked, appliances turned off, etc.), and repeated, unnecessary arranging of items on a desk, cabinet, in a closet, etc. Adults with OCD generally recognize that their compulsions are unreasonable, but they feel driven to perform the action which works to only increase their stress and anxiety.
OCD is exhausting and frustrating, consuming time, energy and significantly interfering with the individual's daily routine.
| Samples of Obsessions | Samples of Compulsions |
| Contamination | hand washing, cleaning |
| Persistent doubt | checking |
| Orderliness/a need to have things "just right" | hoarding |
| Fear of evil/sinful thoughts | touching |
| Constant focus on the same sound, image, or number | counting |
|
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QUICK FACTS
Over 3-million American adults have OCD in any given year
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GETTING HELP
As with all Anxiety Disorders, OCD is generally treated with medications, therapy, or a combination the two. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques have proven quite effective for managing the symptoms of OCD, in particular, a type of behavioral therapy known as "exposure and response prevention" (ERP). In this approach, a person is deliberately and voluntarily exposed to whatever triggers the obsessive thoughts, and then is taught techniques to avoid performing the compulsive rituals and to deal with the anxiety.
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