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Obsessive-Compulsive
Disorder (OCD)
Category
Anxiety
Disorders
Etiology
Both
biological and psychological causes have been found in OCD.
Symptoms
The
key features of this disorder include obsessions (persistent, often
irrational, and seemingly uncontrollable thoughts) and compulsions
(actions which are used to neutralize the obsessions). A good
example of this would be an individual who has thoughts that he is dirty,
infected, or otherwise unclean which are persistent and uncontrollable.
In order to feel better, he washes his hands numerous times throughout the
day, gaining temporary relief from the thoughts each time. For these
behaviors to constitute OCD, it must be disruptive to everyday functioning
(such as compulsive checking before leaving the house making you extremely
late for all or most appointments, washing to the point of excessive
irritation of your skin, or inability to perform everyday functions like
work or school because of the obsessions or compulsions).
Treatment
Medication
is often prescribed for individuals with OCD. Psychotherapy can be
helpful in learning ways to feel more in control, cope better with
stressors, and explore the underlying issues associated with the obsessive
thoughts.
Prognosis
Prognosis
for this disorder has a wide range, depending upon how the individual
responds to medication and how deep rooted the underlying issues are.
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