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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.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Treatment
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: 1-866-874-9774. You will
receive a free consultation. |
