Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental illness characterized by obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors that are difficult to control. Common obsessions include fears of contamination or intrusive thoughts, while compulsions include repetitive behaviors like handwashing. The disorder is caused by abnormalities in brain areas and can be treated through cognitive-behavioral therapy such as exposure therapy to reduce symptoms, as well as medication in some cases.

1. OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE
DISORDER

2. “ Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a type of mental illness.
People with OCD can have either obsessive thoughts and urges or
compulsive, repetitive behaviors”.
• Some have both obsessions and compulsions.
• The disorder can affect job, school, and relationships and keep person
from living a normal life. Person’s thoughts and actions are beyond
control.

3. SYMPTOMS
• Obsessions and compulsions can involve many different things,
like a need for order or cleanness,
• Hoarding, and
• Intrusive thoughts about sex, religion, violence, and body parts.

4. Obsessive thoughts can include:
• Fear of germs or getting dirty
• Worries about getting hurt or others being hurt
• Need for things to be placed in an exact order
• Belief that certain numbers or colors are “good” or “bad”
• Constant awareness of blinking, breathing, or other body
sensations
• Unfounded suspicion that a partner is unfaithful

5. Compulsive habits can include:
• Washing hands many times in a row
• Doing tasks in a specific order every time
• Repetitive checking on a locked door, light switch, and other things
• Need to count things
• Putting items in an exact order
• Fear of touching doorknobs, using public toilets, or shaking hands

6. CAUSES
• Certain areas in the brain may not look normal in people with OCD.
• OCD is slightly more common in women than in men. Symptoms often
appear in teens or young adults. Stress can make symptoms worse.
• You are more likely to get the disorder if you have:
1. A parent, sibling, or child with OCD
2. Depression, anxiety
3. Experience with trauma
4. A history of physical or sexual abuse as a child

7. TREATMENT
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy is the most effective treatment for obsessive-
compulsive disorder and involves two components:
1) exposure and response prevention, and
2) cognitive therapy.
• Exposure and response prevention requires repeated exposure to the
source of your obsession. You are asked to refrain from the compulsive
behavior you’d usually perform to reduce your anxiety.
• Studies show that exposure and response prevention can actually “retrain”
the brain, permanently reducing the occurrence of OCD symptoms.

8. • Cognitive therapy focuses on the catastrophic thoughts and exaggerated
sense of responsibility patient feel. A big part of cognitive therapy for OCD
is teaching healthy and effective ways of responding to obsessive thoughts,
without resorting to compulsive behavior.
• Medication. Antidepressants are sometimes used in conjunction with
therapy for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder. However,
medication alone is rarely effective in relieving the symptoms.

9. • Family Therapy. It can help promote understanding of the disorder and
reduce family conflicts. It can also motivate family members and teach
them how to help their loved one with OCD.
• Group Therapy. Through interaction with fellow OCD sufferers, group
therapy provides support and encouragement and decreases feelings of
isolation.