Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, OCD, is an anxiety disorder and is characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Repetitive behaviors such as handwashing, counting, checking, or cleaning are often performed with the hope of preventing obsessive thoughts or making them go away. Performing these so-called "rituals," however, provides only temporary relief, and not performing them markedly increases anxiety. More about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
OCD is a type of anxiety (say: ang-zye-uh-tee) that happens when there is a problem with the way the brain deals with normal worrying and doubts. Kids with OCD worry a lot. Sometimes they feel afraid that bad things could possibly happen to them, sometimes they feel that something bad could happen to people they love, or sometimes they feel like they have to get things "just right" and have to check to make sure.
What are some common obsessions?The following are some common obsessions:
- Fear of dirt or germs
- Disgust with bodily waste or fluids
- Concern with order, symmetry (balance) and exactness
- Worry that a task has been done poorly, even when the person knows this is not true
- Fear of thinking evil or sinful thoughts
- Thinking about certain sounds, images, words or numbers all the time
- Need for constant reassurance
- Fear of harming a family member or friend
What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?How is OCD treated?Combining therapy with medication is usually considered the most effective way to treat OCD.
Several medicines are available to treat OCD. These medicines are also often used to treat depression and include: clomipramine, fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine and fluvoxamine. These drugs can cause side effects such as dry mouth, nausea and drowsiness. Sometimes they also have sexual side effects. It may be several weeks before you see an improvement in your behavior.
Under the guidance of a trained therapist, behavioral therapy can also be used to treat OCD. In behavioral therapy, people face situations that cause or trigger their obsessions and anxiety. Then they are encouraged not to perform the rituals that usually help control their nervous feelings. For example, a person who is obsessed with germs might be encouraged to use a public toilet without washing his or her hands more than once. To use this method, a person who has OCD must be able to tolerate the high levels of anxiety that can result from the experience.
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