Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by thoughts and fears (obsessions) that lead to repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Despite ones most valiant efforts, the distressing thoughts of obsessive-compulsive disorder keep coming back. (Greenberg, 2009)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms include both obsessions and compulsions.
OCD obsessions are repeated ideas, thoughts, images or impulses that occur spontaneously and seem to make no sense. These obsessions tend to occur when one is trying to think of or do other things. On the other hand, OCD compulsions are repetitive behaviors that one feels driven to perform because of the obsession. These repetitive behaviors prevent or reduce the anxiety and …show more content…
These obsessions may cause individuals with OCD to perform compulsive acts such as hand washing until one’s skin becomes raw, checking doors repeatedly to make sure they're locked, counting in certain patterns and making sure that every one of their possessions is perfectly organized.
The causes of obsessive-compulsive disorder aren’t fully understood. There is some evidence that explains that OCD may be caused by changes in a person’s body chemistry or brain functions, but we don’t know of the specific genes. Some researchers believe that OCD stems from behavior-related habits learned over time. Some factors that may increase the risk of developing or triggering obsessive-compulsive disorder include, genetic predisposition, general anxiety, and or living in unstable environments. If a person tends to react strongly to stress, the risk may increase (Kelly, 2009).
Unfortunately, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is not a rare condition. In fact, approximately 2.2 million Americans have obsessive-compulsive disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (Cahill, 2007). Obsessive-compulsive disorder often begins during early childhood or adolescence, usually around age 10. In adults, OCD typically begins around age
Obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms include both obsessions and compulsions.
OCD obsessions are repeated ideas, thoughts, images or impulses that occur spontaneously and seem to make no sense. These obsessions tend to occur when one is trying to think of or do other things. On the other hand, OCD compulsions are repetitive behaviors that one feels driven to perform because of the obsession. These repetitive behaviors prevent or reduce the anxiety and …show more content…
These obsessions may cause individuals with OCD to perform compulsive acts such as hand washing until one’s skin becomes raw, checking doors repeatedly to make sure they're locked, counting in certain patterns and making sure that every one of their possessions is perfectly organized.
The causes of obsessive-compulsive disorder aren’t fully understood. There is some evidence that explains that OCD may be caused by changes in a person’s body chemistry or brain functions, but we don’t know of the specific genes. Some researchers believe that OCD stems from behavior-related habits learned over time. Some factors that may increase the risk of developing or triggering obsessive-compulsive disorder include, genetic predisposition, general anxiety, and or living in unstable environments. If a person tends to react strongly to stress, the risk may increase (Kelly, 2009).
Unfortunately, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is not a rare condition. In fact, approximately 2.2 million Americans have obsessive-compulsive disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (Cahill, 2007). Obsessive-compulsive disorder often begins during early childhood or adolescence, usually around age 10. In adults, OCD typically begins around age