Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

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We could all say we have a little bit of OCD in us, but for some it’s truly a curse. The Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is an anxiety disorder that causes those who have it to perform rituals. These rituals can vary from constantly double checking to just worrying that things aren’t going the right way. It’s even found that some stimuli can condition certain rituals. For instance if a kid spilled his marbles on a table the person with OCD would have a sudden need to organize them by color, size , or even by most favorite to least favorite. On another end of the spectrum, there are those who have constant fear of contamination or germs. Unfortunately, those with OCD are usually stuck with symptoms for their lifetime. There are periods in which they feel normal, but their compulsive obsessions will likely return. The most common of these obsessions are loss, contamination, and doubt. Those with this disorder are typically too stubborn or unaware that they have even developed any obsessions due to how gradual it can be. Once confronted about their obsession they can feel embarrassed or even show signs of denial. OCD is thought to be caused by an imbalance of serotonin due to a flaw in the circuitry between the frontal lobe and subcortical areas. This disorder is often partnered with other disorders such as depression, substance abuse, and hypochondria. For others, like my grandfather, it’s hoarding that becomes their obsession. My interest in OCD stems from my bond with my grandfather, Frank Frisch. While he’s not medically diagnosed with OCD, he does show signs of compulsive obsessions. He keeps napkins, containers, newspapers, toilet paper rolls, receipts, and other miscellaneous items that he believes are or could later be importa... ... middle of paper ... ...to the equation. I realize that this disorder, along with others like it, is not a joke. There are people that are constantly in mental pain due to these disorders and I now have a better understanding and supply of empathy for those affected. My research has motivated me to use the therapeutic practices I found on my grandfather to see if his collecting will come to a halt. Works Cited Bloch, M., Coric, V., & Pittinger, C. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.ocfoundation.org/glutamate.aspx Nauert, R. (2012). New Therapy for OCD In Field Testing. Psych Central. Retrieved on November 25, 2013, from http://psychcentral.com/news/2012/04/11/new-therapy-for-ocd-in-field-testing/37207.html Pract, J. (1990, 5 pages 210,211,212). Obsessive-compulsive disorder: case study and discussion of treatment.. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1371281/

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