Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that individuals feel compelled to perform. These obsessions cause significant anxiety and discomfort, often involving fears of contamination or harm. Compulsions are carried out to alleviate this distress but do not bring pleasure. Recent studies indicate that about 2.5% of people in North America experience OCD. Effective treatments include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and medications like serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs).
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
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Presentation Transcript
Obsessions? Compulsions? Obsessions – repetitive and unwelcome thoughts, images, or impulses that are difficult to dismiss or control. Compulsions – repetitive behavioral responses – can be resisted only with great difficulty. Recent studies have found lifetime prevalence of OCD in North America to be about 2.5/100 people.
Obsessions Thoughts, images, or impulses that repetitively occur to become out of one’s own control. Person suffering from these obsessions finds them intrusive and disturbing – recognizes they don’t make sense.
Obsessions - continued Obsessions often accompanied by uncomfortable feelings such as fear, disgust, or doubt. For example, people with OCD may worry excessively about dirt and germs, and obsessed with the idea that they are contaminated or may contaminate others
Compulsions These are acts that are continually performed to provide relief from discomfort caused by obsessions. OCD compulsions do not give the person pleasure (unlike drinking, gambling, etc.). For example, a person may repeatedly check to see if their stove was left on in fear of burning the house down.
Treatment During last 20 years, two effective methods for treating OCD have been developed: Cognitive-Behavioural Psychotherapy (CBT) Medication with a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI)
