Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Nature & Treatment Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a severe anxiety disorder that affects approximately 2% of the population (Biorgvinsson, Hart, & Heffelfinger, 2017). It is classified in The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as an anxiety disorder that is characterized by obsessive thoughts and compulsive actions. The etiology of OCD is unclear, however, many theories including psychological, neuropsychological and biological may attempt to explain the etiology of OCD (Beamish & Hill, 2007). Some studies also explain the idea that external influences such as demographic characteristics, family factors, experiences during childhood and pregnancy may contribute to the etiology of OCD.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Individuals with OCD suffer from obsessions, which can present as recurring intrusive thoughts, impulses, or images which in turn causes anxiety or distress. Intrusive images are often described as visual, vivid, effortless, fully formed and of brief duration (Rachman, 2007). This is generally accompanied by compulsions which are repetitive behaviours or mental acts that a person feels driven to act on in order to prevent or reduce the anxiety or distress. (Aardema, Julien, & O’Connor, 2007).
Treatments …show more content…
The main psychological treatment for OCD is exposure and ritual prevention (ERP) (Dozois, J.A., D., 2014). Cognitive therapy and ERP have both proven to be effective in therapy outcome trials. Medications, specifically serotonin reuptake inhibitors have proven to be an effective course of treatment. However, a combination of these treatment options are often the best course of action for individuals who are diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Individuals with OCD suffer from obsessions, which can present as recurring intrusive thoughts, impulses, or images which in turn causes anxiety or distress. Intrusive images are often described as visual, vivid, effortless, fully formed and of brief duration (Rachman, 2007). This is generally accompanied by compulsions which are repetitive behaviours or mental acts that a person feels driven to act on in order to prevent or reduce the anxiety or distress. (Aardema, Julien, & O’Connor, 2007).
Treatments …show more content…
The main psychological treatment for OCD is exposure and ritual prevention (ERP) (Dozois, J.A., D., 2014). Cognitive therapy and ERP have both proven to be effective in therapy outcome trials. Medications, specifically serotonin reuptake inhibitors have proven to be an effective course of treatment. However, a combination of these treatment options are often the best course of action for individuals who are diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive