Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Symptoms of OCD
When does a superstition become a compulsion? When does a preoccupation become an obsession? Learn the basics about the symptoms of OCD.
When does a superstition become a compulsion? When does a preoccupation become an obsession? Learn the basics about the symptoms of OCD.
OCD vs. OCPD
OCD and obsessive compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) have been a source of considerable confusion and controversy for researchers, health-care providers and patients. Despite having similar names and in some cases, symptoms, OCD and OCPD have distinct characteristics that allow them to be differentiated from one another. Discover what is the difference between OCD and obsessive compulsive personality disorder.
OCD and obsessive compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) have been a source of considerable confusion and controversy for researchers, health-care providers and patients. Despite having similar names and in some cases, symptoms, OCD and OCPD have distinct characteristics that allow them to be differentiated from one another. Discover what is the difference between OCD and obsessive compulsive personality disorder.
Diagnosis of OCD
How do you or your doctor know if you have OCD? Learn the basics about the symptoms of OCD and how it is diagnosed by qualified health professionals.
How do you or your doctor know if you have OCD? Learn the basics about the symptoms of OCD and how it is diagnosed by qualified health professionals.
Treatment of OCD
Although the symptoms of OCD can be debilitating, there are a variety of treatment options that are safe and effective. Find out more about the medications, psychotherapies, surgical procedures, and self-help techniques that have been proven to reduce the obsessions and compulsions that accompany OCD.
Although the symptoms of OCD can be debilitating, there are a variety of treatment options that are safe and effective. Find out more about the medications, psychotherapies, surgical procedures, and self-help techniques that have been proven to reduce the obsessions and compulsions that accompany OCD.
Causes of OCD
There are many theories which attempt to explain the causes of OCD. Although biological theories of OCD have come to the forefront, cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic explanations may also help our understanding of the causes of OCD.
There are many theories which attempt to explain the causes of OCD. Although biological theories of OCD have come to the forefront, cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic explanations may also help our understanding of the causes of OCD.
Living With OCD
Living with OCD is a lot like living with other types of chronic illness like diabetes or asthma; it requires courage, social support from friends, family, and co-workers, excellent coping skills, as well as a strong partnership with your primary health care provider. Find out about how to cope with OCD, reduce the triggers of OCD symptoms and deal with stigma.
Living with OCD is a lot like living with other types of chronic illness like diabetes or asthma; it requires courage, social support from friends, family, and co-workers, excellent coping skills, as well as a strong partnership with your primary health care provider. Find out about how to cope with OCD, reduce the triggers of OCD symptoms and deal with stigma.
OCD and Sex
If you have OCD, you know that it can be difficult to establish and maintain an intimate relationship. A major barrier for many people with OCD engaging in a romantic relationship is problems related to sexual functioning
If you have OCD, you know that it can be difficult to establish and maintain an intimate relationship. A major barrier for many people with OCD engaging in a romantic relationship is problems related to sexual functioning
What is OCD
OCD is one of the most misunderstood mental illnesses. Learn the basics of OCD: What kind of mental illness is OCD? Who is affected by OCD? What are the main symptoms of OCD? Where does OCD come from?
OCD is one of the most misunderstood mental illnesses. Learn the basics of OCD: What kind of mental illness is OCD? Who is affected by OCD? What are the main symptoms of OCD? Where does OCD come from?
OCD and Romantic Relationships
If you have OCD, you know that your symptoms can often get in the way of establishing and maintaining romantic relationships. Indeed, many individuals with OCD are single and those who are in a relationship or are married often report a significant amount of relationship stress. Although the symptoms of OCD can pose a serious challenge to your love life, there are ways of coping.
If you have OCD, you know that your symptoms can often get in the way of establishing and maintaining romantic relationships. Indeed, many individuals with OCD are single and those who are in a relationship or are married often report a significant amount of relationship stress. Although the symptoms of OCD can pose a serious challenge to your love life, there are ways of coping.
Childhood OCD:
Although we usually think of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) as being caused by a combination of stress, genetic factors and an imbalance of neurochemicals such as serotonin, there is growing evidence that a specific form of childhood of OCD may actually be an autoimmune disorder.
Although we usually think of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) as being caused by a combination of stress, genetic factors and an imbalance of neurochemicals such as serotonin, there is growing evidence that a specific form of childhood of OCD may actually be an autoimmune disorder.
Coping With OCD
It is a fact of life that we will all experience stress from time to time. Life stress can range from daily annoyances to traumatic events that turn our lives upside down in an instant. Although feeling stressed out can make symptoms of OCD worse, some people are more resilient than others. Why is this? Part of the reason may be how people cope with stress.
It is a fact of life that we will all experience stress from time to time. Life stress can range from daily annoyances to traumatic events that turn our lives upside down in an instant. Although feeling stressed out can make symptoms of OCD worse, some people are more resilient than others. Why is this? Part of the reason may be how people cope with stress.
Hoarding
Pathological or compulsive hoarding is a specific type of behavior characterized by acquiring and failing to throw out a large number of items that would appear to have little or no value to others
Pathological or compulsive hoarding is a specific type of behavior characterized by acquiring and failing to throw out a large number of items that would appear to have little or no value to others
Types of OCD
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) provides a broad definition of OCD that includes the presence of obsessions and/or compulsions that cause major distress or disruption to daily living. However, the way in which symptoms of OCD are experienced varies widely from person to person. Clinicians and researchers have suggested that OCD can be divided into different subtypes based on the nature of the symptoms experienced.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) provides a broad definition of OCD that includes the presence of obsessions and/or compulsions that cause major distress or disruption to daily living. However, the way in which symptoms of OCD are experienced varies widely from person to person. Clinicians and researchers have suggested that OCD can be divided into different subtypes based on the nature of the symptoms experienced.
OCD Top Ten
Coping effectively with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) requires a good understanding of the causes, diagnosis and treatment of this disorder. Here are the top ten things you need to know about OCD.
Coping effectively with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) requires a good understanding of the causes, diagnosis and treatment of this disorder. Here are the top ten things you need to know about OCD.
St. John's Wort and OCD
Alternative medicines such as herbal remedies have been growing in popularity in both Europe and North America. Many people with anxiety disorders such as OCD have tried alternative therapies at one time or another. One of the most popular herbal remedies for anxiety and depression is St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum). Read more to find out of St. John's Wort works for OCD.
Alternative medicines such as herbal remedies have been growing in popularity in both Europe and North America. Many people with anxiety disorders such as OCD have tried alternative therapies at one time or another. One of the most popular herbal remedies for anxiety and depression is St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum). Read more to find out of St. John's Wort works for OCD.
OCD Spectrum Disorders
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders provides a specific definition of OCD that includes the presence of obsessions and/or compulsions that cause major distress or disruption to daily living. However, there are also a number of other disorders that while not technically meeting the DSM diagnostic criteria for OCD, fall within the so-called OCD spectrum. This spectrum captures different clusters of symptoms that are reminiscent of, but not exactly the same of OCD.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders provides a specific definition of OCD that includes the presence of obsessions and/or compulsions that cause major distress or disruption to daily living. However, there are also a number of other disorders that while not technically meeting the DSM diagnostic criteria for OCD, fall within the so-called OCD spectrum. This spectrum captures different clusters of symptoms that are reminiscent of, but not exactly the same of OCD.
Psychological Therapy
Psychological therapies are recognized by both researchers and clinicians as effective treatments for reducing the frequency and intensity of symptoms of OCD. Effective psychological treatments for OCD emphasize changes in behavior and/or thoughts (sometimes called cognitions). When appropriate, behavioral and cognitive treatments are combined alone or with medication to get the best result.
Psychological therapies are recognized by both researchers and clinicians as effective treatments for reducing the frequency and intensity of symptoms of OCD. Effective psychological treatments for OCD emphasize changes in behavior and/or thoughts (sometimes called cognitions). When appropriate, behavioral and cognitive treatments are combined alone or with medication to get the best result.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder - Articles
An index of articles for the Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder guide site.
An index of articles for the Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder guide site.
Compulsive Hoarding
Pathological or compulsive hoarding is a specific type of behavior characterized by acquiring and failing to throw out a large number of items that would appear to have little or no value to others, severe cluttering of the person’s home so that it is no longer able to function as a viable living space and significant distress or impairment of work or social life.
Pathological or compulsive hoarding is a specific type of behavior characterized by acquiring and failing to throw out a large number of items that would appear to have little or no value to others, severe cluttering of the person’s home so that it is no longer able to function as a viable living space and significant distress or impairment of work or social life.
Structured Clinical Interview
A structured clinical interview is a tool that helps physicians, psychologists and researchers make an accurate diagnosis of a variety of mental illnesses, such as OCD.
A structured clinical interview is a tool that helps physicians, psychologists and researchers make an accurate diagnosis of a variety of mental illnesses, such as OCD.
Coping
Coping refers to the thoughts and actions we use to deal with stress.
Coping refers to the thoughts and actions we use to deal with stress.
Skin Picking
Pathologic skin picking is a mental illness in which you compulsively pick your skin to remove small irregularities such as moles or freckles. Although classified as an impulse control disorderit has been suggested that skin picking is related to OCD.
Pathologic skin picking is a mental illness in which you compulsively pick your skin to remove small irregularities such as moles or freckles. Although classified as an impulse control disorderit has been suggested that skin picking is related to OCD.
OCD Cure
As with all forms of mental illness, there is no known treatment which is a permanent OCD cure. OCD is generally thought of as a chronic illness meaning that it is something you will have to work on managing everyday. Although it can initially be difficult to accept, having a chronic illness like OCD requires you to shift your focus from a final cure to coping with OCD symptoms.
As with all forms of mental illness, there is no known treatment which is a permanent OCD cure. OCD is generally thought of as a chronic illness meaning that it is something you will have to work on managing everyday. Although it can initially be difficult to accept, having a chronic illness like OCD requires you to shift your focus from a final cure to coping with OCD symptoms.
Childhood-Onset OCD
Although many people think of OCD as a disorder that affects only adults, a similar percentage of children are also affected. While there are many similarities between adult-onset and childhood-onset OCD, there are also many important differences. As well, some cases of childhood-onset OCD, such as PANDAS, may have causes that are unique to children.
Although many people think of OCD as a disorder that affects only adults, a similar percentage of children are also affected. While there are many similarities between adult-onset and childhood-onset OCD, there are also many important differences. As well, some cases of childhood-onset OCD, such as PANDAS, may have causes that are unique to children.
OCD and Hypochondriasis
OCD has symptoms that often resemble other forms of mental illnesses. Hypochondriasis is often mistaken for OCD; however, each illness has a number of unique features that healthcare providers can use to tell these two disorders apart. Read more to find out about what is the difference between OCD and hypochondriasis.
OCD has symptoms that often resemble other forms of mental illnesses. Hypochondriasis is often mistaken for OCD; however, each illness has a number of unique features that healthcare providers can use to tell these two disorders apart. Read more to find out about what is the difference between OCD and hypochondriasis.
DBS for OCD
Although a number of medications and psychological therapies are available for OCD, it has been estimated that between 25 and 40% of people will not respond to treatment. Studies have suggested that treatments targeting specific circuits in the brain could be helpful in reducing OCD symptoms among those people who do not respond to first-line therapies. Deep brain stimulation may offer such a treatment.
Although a number of medications and psychological therapies are available for OCD, it has been estimated that between 25 and 40% of people will not respond to treatment. Studies have suggested that treatments targeting specific circuits in the brain could be helpful in reducing OCD symptoms among those people who do not respond to first-line therapies. Deep brain stimulation may offer such a treatment.
Magical Thinking
Magical thinking is an illogical thought pattern common among people with OCD.
Magical thinking is an illogical thought pattern common among people with OCD.
Obsessed
A&E has launched a new reality show called Obsessed which examines the real-life struggles of people with anxiety disorders including OCD. This program follows people with as they undergo cognitive-behavior therapy or CBT to treat their OCD symptoms. I recently interviewed A&E Obsessed’s Dr. Shana Doronn about CBT and ERP and some tips for getting the most of out psychological treatment for OCD.
A&E has launched a new reality show called Obsessed which examines the real-life struggles of people with anxiety disorders including OCD. This program follows people with as they undergo cognitive-behavior therapy or CBT to treat their OCD symptoms. I recently interviewed A&E Obsessed’s Dr. Shana Doronn about CBT and ERP and some tips for getting the most of out psychological treatment for OCD.
OCD and TBI
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by motor vehicle accidents, falls or other accidents and firearms is a major source of disability and suffering world-wide. In addition to cognitive problems it is not uncommon for individuals who have suffered a TBI to develop symptoms consistent with one or more forms of mental illness including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by motor vehicle accidents, falls or other accidents and firearms is a major source of disability and suffering world-wide. In addition to cognitive problems it is not uncommon for individuals who have suffered a TBI to develop symptoms consistent with one or more forms of mental illness including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
OCD and BDD
OCD has symptoms that often resemble other forms of mental illness. One of these illnesses is body dysmorphic disorder, a form of mental illness in which the person is obsessed and/or preoccupied with an imagined defect or only slight anomaly or in their appearance.
OCD has symptoms that often resemble other forms of mental illness. One of these illnesses is body dysmorphic disorder, a form of mental illness in which the person is obsessed and/or preoccupied with an imagined defect or only slight anomaly or in their appearance.
OCD and H1N1
The 2009 influenza A or H1N1 pandemic has been a source of considerable worry for many people. However, this pandemic has the potential to be particularly stressful for people with OCD who experience obsessions and compulsions related contamination and/or infection. Let’s explore how to cope with contamination-related obsessions and compulsions in the midst of a pandemic.
The 2009 influenza A or H1N1 pandemic has been a source of considerable worry for many people. However, this pandemic has the potential to be particularly stressful for people with OCD who experience obsessions and compulsions related contamination and/or infection. Let’s explore how to cope with contamination-related obsessions and compulsions in the midst of a pandemic.
OCD Risk Factors
There are many OCD risk factors. A risk factor is something that increases a person’s chances of eventually developing a given illness. Risk factors can include a person’s age, gender, family history, the kinds of behavior they engage in, the type of environment they grew up in, and the experiences they’ve had. Let’s review some of the OCD risk factors.
There are many OCD risk factors. A risk factor is something that increases a person’s chances of eventually developing a given illness. Risk factors can include a person’s age, gender, family history, the kinds of behavior they engage in, the type of environment they grew up in, and the experiences they’ve had. Let’s review some of the OCD risk factors.
Genetics of OCD
With the human genome having finally been mapped out, the search is on for those genes that cause us to develop illnesses including OCD. Although it is clear that OCD has a genetic basis, it is not yet clear which genes may be important and under what circumstances.
With the human genome having finally been mapped out, the search is on for those genes that cause us to develop illnesses including OCD. Although it is clear that OCD has a genetic basis, it is not yet clear which genes may be important and under what circumstances.
Postpartum OCD
It is not uncommon for new mothers to experience a wide array of emotions following the arrival of a new child. The postpartum period has long been known to be a time of increased risk for the appearance, worsening or recurrence of mood and anxiety disorders. A number of studies have suggested that the postpartum period may also present a risk for the onset or exacerbation of OCD.
It is not uncommon for new mothers to experience a wide array of emotions following the arrival of a new child. The postpartum period has long been known to be a time of increased risk for the appearance, worsening or recurrence of mood and anxiety disorders. A number of studies have suggested that the postpartum period may also present a risk for the onset or exacerbation of OCD.
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders are prolonged exaggerations of our normal and adaptive reaction to fearful or stressful events.
Anxiety disorders are prolonged exaggerations of our normal and adaptive reaction to fearful or stressful events.
Early Versus Late Onset
Although symptoms of OCD can begin at almost any age, there are two distinct periods when OCD symptoms are most likely to appear. People who develop OCD before puberty are considered to have early onset OCD while those who develop OCD later in life have late-onset OCD. The effective treatment of OCD symptoms may depend on when your ocd symptoms started.
Although symptoms of OCD can begin at almost any age, there are two distinct periods when OCD symptoms are most likely to appear. People who develop OCD before puberty are considered to have early onset OCD while those who develop OCD later in life have late-onset OCD. The effective treatment of OCD symptoms may depend on when your ocd symptoms started.
Thought Supression and OCD
Obsessions, in which you experience seemingly uncontrollable and extremely distressing thoughts, are a core symptom of OCD. Although a natural reaction for many affected people is to try and suppress these thoughts, research shows that thought suppression can actually make obsessions worse.
Obsessions, in which you experience seemingly uncontrollable and extremely distressing thoughts, are a core symptom of OCD. Although a natural reaction for many affected people is to try and suppress these thoughts, research shows that thought suppression can actually make obsessions worse.
Intensive OCD Treatment
Although there are many effective medical and psychological treatments available for OCD, not all treatments work for everybody. Unfortunately, for some people nothing seems to be effective. To combat this, a number of intensive residential treatment programs have been developed. Find out what in intensive OCD treatment program is and where to find one in your area.
Although there are many effective medical and psychological treatments available for OCD, not all treatments work for everybody. Unfortunately, for some people nothing seems to be effective. To combat this, a number of intensive residential treatment programs have been developed. Find out what in intensive OCD treatment program is and where to find one in your area.
Getting Help for OCD
Although effective treatments are available for OCD, research suggests that only about one-third of people with OCD actually seek treatment. Why is this? Find out where to get help for OCD.
Although effective treatments are available for OCD, research suggests that only about one-third of people with OCD actually seek treatment. Why is this? Find out where to get help for OCD.
OCD and Family
As the family member of someone with OCD, it can be difficult to know what is the right thing to do, what to say or how to cope. Here are some tips for family members of people with OCD.
As the family member of someone with OCD, it can be difficult to know what is the right thing to do, what to say or how to cope. Here are some tips for family members of people with OCD.
ERP
Exposure and response prevention is one of the most popular and effective forms of behavior therapy for OCD.
Exposure and response prevention is one of the most popular and effective forms of behavior therapy for OCD.
What is TTM?
Trichotillomania (TTM) is an impulse control disorder in which the affected person repeatedly pulls out hair from any part of the body for non-cosmetic reasons. Owing to the compulsive nature of this behavior, it has been suggested that TTM may be a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Trichotillomania (TTM) is an impulse control disorder in which the affected person repeatedly pulls out hair from any part of the body for non-cosmetic reasons. Owing to the compulsive nature of this behavior, it has been suggested that TTM may be a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Therapist Qualities
Not surprisingly, study after study has confirmed that the better the relationship between you and your therapist, the more you’ll benefit from therapy for OCD. Read more about the skills and qualities your therapist should possess.
Not surprisingly, study after study has confirmed that the better the relationship between you and your therapist, the more you’ll benefit from therapy for OCD. Read more about the skills and qualities your therapist should possess.
How Is OCD Diagnosed?
Unlike many diseases, such as cancer or type 2 diabetes, mental illnesses, such as OCD, can’t be diagnosed using a blood test, biopsy, x-ray or physical examination. Health professionals, such as family doctors, psychiatrists and psychologists, rely on clinical experience and extensive training to determine whether someone meets diagnostic criteria for OCD. Find out how OCD is diagnosed.
Unlike many diseases, such as cancer or type 2 diabetes, mental illnesses, such as OCD, can’t be diagnosed using a blood test, biopsy, x-ray or physical examination. Health professionals, such as family doctors, psychiatrists and psychologists, rely on clinical experience and extensive training to determine whether someone meets diagnostic criteria for OCD. Find out how OCD is diagnosed.
Augmentation for OCD
Augmentation therapy is strategy that is being explored as a way to improve the odds of relieving OCD symptoms when treating OCD with medication. Augmentation therapy involves using combinations of drugs, rather than a single drug, for maximum effect. Augmentation strategies could be especially effective for people who do not respond to standard treatment.
Augmentation therapy is strategy that is being explored as a way to improve the odds of relieving OCD symptoms when treating OCD with medication. Augmentation therapy involves using combinations of drugs, rather than a single drug, for maximum effect. Augmentation strategies could be especially effective for people who do not respond to standard treatment.
Readiness for Change
Whether it is quitting smoking, starting a new diet or beginning a new workout routine, almost everyone has struggled at some point with making positive changes in their behavior permanent. Engaging in cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) for OCD managing symptoms of OCD is no different. Psychological treatments for OCD appear to work best for those individuals who are ready for change and understand how change works
Whether it is quitting smoking, starting a new diet or beginning a new workout routine, almost everyone has struggled at some point with making positive changes in their behavior permanent. Engaging in cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) for OCD managing symptoms of OCD is no different. Psychological treatments for OCD appear to work best for those individuals who are ready for change and understand how change works
OCD and Memory
If you have OCD, you may have compulsions in which you repeat behaviors over and over again. For instance, you might have to repeatedly check to make sure that the front door is locked or you might have to wash your hands again and again. Because of the repetitive nature of many OCD symptoms, there has been some suggestion there may be a link with ocd and memory.
If you have OCD, you may have compulsions in which you repeat behaviors over and over again. For instance, you might have to repeatedly check to make sure that the front door is locked or you might have to wash your hands again and again. Because of the repetitive nature of many OCD symptoms, there has been some suggestion there may be a link with ocd and memory.
OCD and Worry
If you have OCD you probably know that you are more prone to experiencing worry than most. This worry can focus on the theme of your obsessions, the consequences of your illness or it can relate to everyday matters such as paying bills or performing well at work. Unfortunately, worrying can often consume quite a bit of energy and make it difficult to relax. Here are some tips for coping with worry.
If you have OCD you probably know that you are more prone to experiencing worry than most. This worry can focus on the theme of your obsessions, the consequences of your illness or it can relate to everyday matters such as paying bills or performing well at work. Unfortunately, worrying can often consume quite a bit of energy and make it difficult to relax. Here are some tips for coping with worry.
Finding Help
Find out where to get the medical and psychological help you need to treat OCD.
Find out where to get the medical and psychological help you need to treat OCD.
OCD_treatment
Although there are many effective medical and psychotherapeutic treatments available for OCD, not every treatment works for every individual. It often takes a little (or a lot) of experimentation to figure out what treatment or combination of treatments is going to work for you. That said, up to a third of people with OCD do not respond to standard treatment protocols and different strategies may then be necessary. Here are some options to consider when nothing seems to be working.
Although there are many effective medical and psychotherapeutic treatments available for OCD, not every treatment works for every individual. It often takes a little (or a lot) of experimentation to figure out what treatment or combination of treatments is going to work for you. That said, up to a third of people with OCD do not respond to standard treatment protocols and different strategies may then be necessary. Here are some options to consider when nothing seems to be working.
ACT
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is relatively new psychological treatment that has shown promise in the treatment of anxiety disorders including OCD. ACT’s central philosophy is that anxiety is part of life and that it is our to the experience of anxiety that can be the real problem.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is relatively new psychological treatment that has shown promise in the treatment of anxiety disorders including OCD. ACT’s central philosophy is that anxiety is part of life and that it is our to the experience of anxiety that can be the real problem.
Psychotherapy
Although psychological treatments have come to the forefront in the treatment of OCD, they are not always effective. Let’s explore some reasons why psychotherapy for OCD may not be effective and what you can do about it.
Although psychological treatments have come to the forefront in the treatment of OCD, they are not always effective. Let’s explore some reasons why psychotherapy for OCD may not be effective and what you can do about it.
Medication
Although there are many FDA approved medications available for the treatment of OCD, medications do not seem to work for one-third of people’s OCD symptoms. Let’s look at some reasons why this can happen and what to do about it.
Although there are many FDA approved medications available for the treatment of OCD, medications do not seem to work for one-third of people’s OCD symptoms. Let’s look at some reasons why this can happen and what to do about it.
Cognitions
Cognitions are the thoughts that we have on a daily basis.
Cognitions are the thoughts that we have on a daily basis.
Obsessions
Obsessions are thoughts, images or ideas that won’t go away, are unwanted and are extremely distressing or worrying.
Obsessions are thoughts, images or ideas that won’t go away, are unwanted and are extremely distressing or worrying.
OCD and College
Heading off to college can be a very exciting but stressful time. It is a period when you might have to deal with leaving home for the first time, meeting new people, getting used to different living arrangements, worries about money and the demands of school. This is a challenging time under the best of circumstances but can be even more stressful if you have OCD. Here are some tips to make it through this important transition.
Heading off to college can be a very exciting but stressful time. It is a period when you might have to deal with leaving home for the first time, meeting new people, getting used to different living arrangements, worries about money and the demands of school. This is a challenging time under the best of circumstances but can be even more stressful if you have OCD. Here are some tips to make it through this important transition.
Psychotherapy for OCD
Psychological therapies are effective treatments for reducing the frequency and intensity of symptoms of OCD. Effective psychological treatments for OCD emphasize changes in behavior and/or thoughts. When appropriate, psychotherapy can be done alone or combined with medication. The two main types of psychological therapies for OCD are cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy.
Psychological therapies are effective treatments for reducing the frequency and intensity of symptoms of OCD. Effective psychological treatments for OCD emphasize changes in behavior and/or thoughts. When appropriate, psychotherapy can be done alone or combined with medication. The two main types of psychological therapies for OCD are cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy.
OCD and the Workplace
For many people with OCD, seeking out, obtaining and maintaining gainful employment is a significant challenge. While symptoms of OCD themselves can get in the way of completing the required duties of a particular job, there is also the significant challenge of stigma, prejudice and discrimination that is associated with OCD and other forms of mental illness.
For many people with OCD, seeking out, obtaining and maintaining gainful employment is a significant challenge. While symptoms of OCD themselves can get in the way of completing the required duties of a particular job, there is also the significant challenge of stigma, prejudice and discrimination that is associated with OCD and other forms of mental illness.
OCD and Confidentiality
If you have OCD, you know that sometimes obsessions and compulsions can be very embarrassing and upsetting, especially when concerning themes of sexuality and/or violence. It is important to keep in mind, however, that health care professionals are required by law to regard all information gathered and recorded in the course of an appointment as confidential – that is, private and not to be released without your permission – except under a few unique circumstances.
If you have OCD, you know that sometimes obsessions and compulsions can be very embarrassing and upsetting, especially when concerning themes of sexuality and/or violence. It is important to keep in mind, however, that health care professionals are required by law to regard all information gathered and recorded in the course of an appointment as confidential – that is, private and not to be released without your permission – except under a few unique circumstances.
Compulsion
Compulsions are behaviors that have to be done over and over again to relieve anxiety.
Compulsions are behaviors that have to be done over and over again to relieve anxiety.
Clinical Psychologist
A clinical psychologist is a mental health professional with highly specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness, including OCD.
A clinical psychologist is a mental health professional with highly specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness, including OCD.
Parenting OCD
Although we often think of obsessive compulsive disorder as an illness that affects mostly adults, between 1 and 3% of children will develop childhood OCD with the average age of onset being around approximately 10 years of age. While there is no doubt that parenting a child who has OCD can be a challenge, there are ways to cope.
Although we often think of obsessive compulsive disorder as an illness that affects mostly adults, between 1 and 3% of children will develop childhood OCD with the average age of onset being around approximately 10 years of age. While there is no doubt that parenting a child who has OCD can be a challenge, there are ways to cope.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder - QuickTips
An index of QuickTips for the Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder guide site.
An index of QuickTips for the Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder guide site.
OCD Spectrum Disorder
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders provides a specific definition of OCD that includes the presence of obsessions and/or compulsions that cause major distress or disruption to daily living. However, there are also a number of other disorders that while not technically meeting the DSM diagnostic criteria for OCD, fall within the so-called OCD spectrum. This spectrum captures different clusters of symptoms that are reminiscent of, but not exactly the same of OCD.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders provides a specific definition of OCD that includes the presence of obsessions and/or compulsions that cause major distress or disruption to daily living. However, there are also a number of other disorders that while not technically meeting the DSM diagnostic criteria for OCD, fall within the so-called OCD spectrum. This spectrum captures different clusters of symptoms that are reminiscent of, but not exactly the same of OCD.
TBI
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when the brain is injured or damaged by an outside force such as a blow to head or a gunshot.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when the brain is injured or damaged by an outside force such as a blow to head or a gunshot.
OCD and Your Vacation
Although many people find that their OCD symptoms improve while on vacation, for others the stress of travel, the change in routine and the loss of control over their environment can cause their OCD symptoms to get worse. Here are some tips to get the most out of your vacation.
Although many people find that their OCD symptoms improve while on vacation, for others the stress of travel, the change in routine and the loss of control over their environment can cause their OCD symptoms to get worse. Here are some tips to get the most out of your vacation.
hypochondriasis
Hypochondriasis is a condition in which individuals have obsession-like concerns primarily related to their health.
Hypochondriasis is a condition in which individuals have obsession-like concerns primarily related to their health.
Your Appointment
An essential part of coping with OCD is making sure that you are able to make the most of your appointments with health professionals such as family doctors, psychiatrists, nurses and psychologists. Whether it is an initial meeting with your family doctor or the latest check-in with your psychiatrist or psychologist, here are some tips for getting the most out of your appointment.
An essential part of coping with OCD is making sure that you are able to make the most of your appointments with health professionals such as family doctors, psychiatrists, nurses and psychologists. Whether it is an initial meeting with your family doctor or the latest check-in with your psychiatrist or psychologist, here are some tips for getting the most out of your appointment.
DBS
Deep brain stimulation is a technique that involves precise stimulation of particular parts of the brain through the implantation of removable electrodes
Deep brain stimulation is a technique that involves precise stimulation of particular parts of the brain through the implantation of removable electrodes
Clinical Trial and OCD
There are a number of reasons why people with OCD consider taking part in a clinical research trial. Read more to find out how to participate in OCD clinical research and what to know before you sign up.
There are a number of reasons why people with OCD consider taking part in a clinical research trial. Read more to find out how to participate in OCD clinical research and what to know before you sign up.
Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety disorders are prolonged exaggerations of our normal and adaptive reaction to fearful or stressful events.
Anxiety disorders are prolonged exaggerations of our normal and adaptive reaction to fearful or stressful events.
Clinical Trial
Clinical trials are experiments that test a large number of people under controlled conditions to evaluate the effectiveness of new treatments. Although clinical trials are often used to evaluate new drugs, they can also be used to test different forms of psychotherapy.
Clinical trials are experiments that test a large number of people under controlled conditions to evaluate the effectiveness of new treatments. Although clinical trials are often used to evaluate new drugs, they can also be used to test different forms of psychotherapy.