Codependency

OCD

Alternate Names : Obsessive-Compulsive Neurosis, OCD

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is an anxiety disorder distinguished by obsessions or compulsions - possessing one or both is enough for the diagnosis. An obsession is a recurring and intrusive thought, feeling, idea, or sensation. A compulsion is a conscious, recurrent pattern of behavior a person feels driven to perform.

This behavior can be a physical action (e.g., hand washing) or a mental act (e.g., praying, repeating words silently, counting). The behavior is aimed at neutralizing anxiety or distress. One example of this is excessive hand washing intended to ward off infection.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Symptoms & Signs

The symptoms for OCD are obsessions or compulsions that produce significant distress or interference with every day life, and are not because of medical illness or drug use. The individual can identify that the behavior is excessive.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Diagnosis & Analysis

The individuals own account of the behavior typically leads to conclusion of the disorder. A physical examination is performed to rule out physical causes, and a psychological evaluation is given to rule out other psychiatric disorders. Questionnaires, such as the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale, can help in making the diagnosis.

OCD is treated using medications and psychotherapy.

The first medication considered is usually an SSRI antidepressant, since these are often effective and do not have severe side effects. SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, treat OCD by increasing the serotonin available in the brain. They include Fluvoxamine (Luvox), Fluoxetine (Prozac), Sertraline (Zoloft), and Paroxetine (Paxil).

If an SSRI antidepressant is not effective, Clomipramine, a Tricyclic antidepressant, may be prescribed. Clomipramine, the oldest medication treatment for OCD, is more effective than SSRI antidepressants but has more numerous and unpleasant side effects, including sedation, urinary retention (difficulty initiating urination), orthostatic hypotension (drop in blood pressure when rising from a seated position), and dry mouth.

In more resistant cases, an SSRI and Clomipramine may be combined. While other medications, such as benzodiazepines, may offer some relief from anxiety, they are generally used only in conjunction with the more reliable treatments.

Psychotherapy, which may occur on an individual basis or in a group setting, is used to reduce anxiety, resolve inner conflicts, and provide effective ways of reducing stress.

Behavioral therapies are often employed and may include:

Exposure/response prevention: the person is repeatedly exposed to a situation that triggers anxiety symptoms, and learns to resist the urge to perform the compulsion.

Thought stopping: the person learns to stop unwanted thoughts and focus attention on relieving anxiety.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Prognosis (Expectations)

OCD is a chronic illness which, like other psychiatric illnesses, has episodes of exacerbation followed by periods of relative improvement, though a completely symptom free interval is commonly unusual. With treatment, most sufferers have substantial improvement, though total remission is fairly uncommon.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Complications

The most probable long-term consequences of OCD are related to the nature of the obsessions or compulsions. For instance, constant hand washing can cause skin breakdown. However, OCD does not ordinarily "progress" into another disease.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Treatment

If you or someone you know would like to talk with one of our trained staff to discuss treatment options for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) treatment please contact us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at our t oll free number: 1-800-849-5969. You will receive a free consultation.