Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

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Recommended: Dealing with obsessive-compulsive disorder

Did you ever get out of bed to check on something that you think you did, but you check anyway just to make sure…..maybe it’s making sure the door is locked or turning out the kitchen light. We all do that at times. However, those who are afflicted with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder exhibit these types of behaviors repeatedly to the extent that it causes distress and makes living daily life difficult. This disorder affects about 2.2 million American adults (http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd/index.shtml) This paper will explore the disorder and answer the following questions: 1. What is OCD? 2. What causes the disorder? 3. How is this disorder diagnosed? 4. What is the most effective treatment for the disorder? In addition, we will look at some case studies to see the variety of behaviors that result from this disorder and how they effected the lives of the people who suffered from OCD.

OCD is a type of anxiety disorder in which people have unwanted and repeated thoughts, feelings, ideas, sensations (obsessions) or behaviors that make them feel driven to do something (compulsions). Often the person carries out the behaviors to get rid of the obsessive thoughts, but this only provides temporary relief. Not performing the obsessive rituals can cause great anxiety. (Psychology Today) A person with OCD would typically have thoughts, images or urges that occur repeatedly and feel out of the person’s control, wouldn’t want to have these ideas, finds these thoughts disturbing and is aware that they do not make sense. In addition, a person with OCD would spend an unwarranted amount of time on these obsessions interfering with other valued activities such as socializing, working, going to schoo...

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...from kidney failure, his beard and fingernails had both grown out of control (maybe due to his aversion to being touched) making him practically unrecognizable. He also suffered from malnutrition and reportedly had a body weight of just 90 pounds.
More recently, the actor/comedian, Howie Mandel, has spoken out about his life with ADHD and OCD. He has written a book called “Here’s the Deal: Don’t Touch Me” in which he discusses his struggle with mysophobia, a form of OCD. Mysophobia, or the fear of germs, refers to an unhealthy fear of contamination. People like Mandel, who speak out about their struggles help others who are afflicted with psychiatric disorders by raising awareness and encouraging people to seek treatment. It is important for people to know that there is help available and that it is possible, with treatment, to live a productive life.

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