According to the American Psychiatry Association (n.d), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a disorder in which people have recurring, unwanted thoughts, ideas or sensations (obsessions) that make them feel driven to do something repetitively (compulsions). The most common obsession is germs, and the most common compulsion is excessive handwashing or showering. These obsessions and compulsions interrupt an individuals daily life, because they cannot continue with their day if they cannot reduce their anxiety. "Obsessions are associated with an increase in anxiety, whereas compulsions are associated with a decrease in anxiety," ((Powell et al., 2017, pg. 343). OCD typically appears at the age of nineteen, and is most commonly found in females, but OCD has been reported males as well.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is one of the harder disorders to treat in individuals. However, treatment methods that have been found most successful include Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and medications that include Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). ERP and CBT involve exposing patients to their fear or obsession and having them not partake in their compulsion to relieve their anxiety. Over time the patient can be in contact with their obsession, and not follow up with their compulsion because they learn nothing is harming them. Additionally, SSRIs help to calm the patient with OCD, and eventually their obsessions and compulsions will dwindle.
Powell, R. A., Honey, P. L., & Symbaluk, D. G. (2017). Introduction to Learning and Behavior (Fifth ). Cengage Learning.
What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder? Psychiatry.org - What Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder? (n.d.). Retrieved June 22, 2022, from https://psychiatry.org/patients-families/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/what-is-obsessive-compulsive-disorder
Hi! I found your post very informative about the topic of OCD. It clearly depicts the disorder as well as provide information about the key facts on it. I have always found it interesting how OCD is more prominent in females as well!
ReplyDeleteHey Hannah, I really appreciate your explanation of OCD and the various treatment methods for it. I found the fact you included about OCD appearing at the age of 19 very interesting and I am definitely going to do my own research as to why this is so. I've always loved CBT as a great way to understand the interconnectedness of the mind and body. Currently I've been letting my OCD affect me a lot more than usual and I really feel like this topic has helped me acknowledge that which is the first step in healing. Thank you so much for your post!
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