Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental illness where
a person becomes trapped in a pattern of repetitive thoughts and behaviors that
are senseless and distressing but extremely difficult to overcome. OCD strikes
most people in adolescence or in the early twenties. However, symptoms may
become apparent in young children as well. The causes of OCD are still
relatively unknown, although current research points to a biochemical imbalance
in the brain involving serotonin, a chemical that affects sleep, appetite,
anxiety and repetitive behavior. Genetics may also play a part. Studies show
that about 25% of OCD sufferers have an immediate family member with the
disorder.
The symptoms of OCD range from mild to severe. Sometimes the
symptoms are crippling, making regular school or employment impossible and
jeopardizing family relationships. The emotional and economic costs of OCD to
the individual, the family, and society can be enormous. But, many people
function successfully as doctors, lawyers, engineers, educators, homemakers,
factory workers, and entertainers.
While there is still no cure for OCD itself, there is
effective treatment. It combines medication and behavior therapy. Sufferers
gradually expose themselves to the situations or objects that make them anxious
which teaches patients to experience the anxiety without performing
rituals. Many patients are dramatically
helped by medications that act on the brain chemical serotonin.
Many people with OCD are very secretive and reluctant to seek
assistance. They have no idea that the
haunting habits disrupting their lives are part of a disease that has a name
and can be treated. Recognizing the
symptoms of the disease in yourself and in others is the
first step to effective care. A list of
typical obsession and compulsions associated with OCD are as follows. If you recognize a few or many of the
symptoms in yourself or a family member, they may be struggling with OCD.
Obsessions (recurrent, unwanted and unpleasant thoughts):
* Excessive concern about contamination from dirt, germs chemical
pollutants or another person
* Harming oneself or another person
* Impending catastrophe
* Losing or discarding something of value
* Order arrangement or symmetry
* Significance of certain numbers or words
* The performance of certain religious, moral or social
obligations
* Abhorrent sexual thoughts
Compulsions ( repetitive, ritualistic
behaviors, which the person feels driven to perform):
* Cleaning. Excessive washing, bathing,
cleaning or checking. Being meticulous -- neatness & tidiness
* Repeating. Repetitive checking, touching,
counting, arranging, ordering, writing or retracing movements.
* Accumulating or collecting useless items which are repeatedly
counted and stacked.
* Completing. Mental rituals -- reciting
special phrases or prayers to offset the consequences of an oppressive thought.
Stepping over every crack in the sidewalk, etc.
* Persistent requests for reassurance or advice for seemingly
routine matters.
More than 5 million Americans suffer from obsessive-compulsive
disorder. More than 1 million sufferers are children and adolescents. The
disorder can begin suddenly or gradually with acceleration of symptoms.
Medication called clomipramine can relieve the symptoms of OCD
in many people. Clomipramine belongs to a group of medications called the
tricyclic antidepressants, which are widely used for the treatment of
depressive illness. Two other
medications-fluvoxamine and fluoxetine may also be effective in the treatment
of OCD. These drugs enhance the brain’s ability to utilize the naturally
occurring brain chemical serotonin.
Treatment can include individual and family therapy;
medication management; behavioral interventions and therapies; milieu therapy;
remedial and educational programming; group therapy & skills training;
support groups.
Many hospitals offer specialized programs for OCD sufferers
which includes psychiatric & psychological evaluations; physical &
nutritional psychosocial & educational evaluations. Call your local hospital for information
regarding their programs on OCD.
For more information
about mental illnesses, contact:
The National
NAMI of
Greater
Phone: (312) 563-0445
Fax: (312) 563-0467