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What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
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 hand-washing, 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.
Signs and Symptoms:
- rituals (handwashing, counting, checking, or cleaning) = compulsions performed to prevent obsessive thoughts
- not performing them markedly increases anxiety
- rituals consume at least 1 hr/day, are distressing, and interfere with daily life
- pts recognize that what they are doing is senseless but cannot stop it
Common compulsions: checking; cleaning/washing; counting; hoarding/collecting; ordering/rearranging; repeating; praying
Treatment (combination of psychotherapy and medication(s) may be helpful):
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cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): learning how to identify, evaluate and modify distorted cognition by changing thoughts and behaviors can help the patient manage anxiety more effectively
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exposure therapy: a key element of this component is exposure, in which people confront the things they fear. An example would be a treatment approach called exposure and response prevention. If the person has a fear of dirt and germs, the therapist may encourage them to dirty their hands, then go a certain period of time without washing. The therapist helps the patient to cope with the resultant anxiety. Eventually, after this exercise has
been repeated a number of times, anxiety will diminish.
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medications: some of the medications that have been used to treat OCD include:
- fluoxetine (Prozac)
- sertraline (Zoloft)
- fluvoxamine (Luvox)
- paroxetine (Paxil)
- citalopram (Celexa)
- clomipramine (Anafranil)
- Ask your doctor to tell you about the effects and side effects of the medication he or she is prescribing.
- Tell your doctor about any alternative therapies or over-the-counter medications you are using.
- Ask your doctor when and how the medication will be stopped. Some medications cannot safely be discontinued abruptly; they have to be tapered slowly under a physician's supervision.
- Be aware that some medications are effective only as long as they are taken regularly, and symptoms may occur again when the medications are discontinued.
- Work together with your doctor to determine the right dosage of the right medication to treat OCD.
Reference: National Institute of Mental Health