1. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder By Brooke Amandola

2. What is OCD? Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is an anxiety disorder that can occur at childhood or adulthood. The key word to OCD is obsession. People with this disorder are always obsessing on something. Examples: Repetitive hand washing, cracking knuckles, counting sentences in a paragraph, need for order, fear of causing harm.

3. Causes The cause of this disorder is not fully understood. Good chance of brain dysfunction. Another cause is genetically from parents.

4. Signs/Symptoms ~Unwanted/persistent thoughts and images ~Obsession of germs/dirt ~A need to clean Different when OCD starts in childhood than in adulthood.

5. Diagnosis Can not be diagnosed using blood sample, x-rays or other medical tests Only can be diagnosed by a professional mental health therapist

6. Treatment Therapy with a mental health professional. Psychiatrist, Psychologist, family doctor or nurse. www.nimh.nih.gov www.anxietycare.org www.medicinenet.com