Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) affects about 1 in 50 people in the U.S., characterized by obsessions (repetitive thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors) that vary in severity. Diagnosis involves evaluating the presence of disturbing thoughts, the unrelenting need to perform tasks, and the impact on daily life. Treatment can include therapy, medication, and lifestyle adjustments depending on the severity of the individual’s symptoms.

1. www.helpingpsychology.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder http://helpingpsychology.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/iStock_000001318594XSmall-300x240.jpg

2. www.helpingpsychology.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder or “OCD” is estimated to affect about one in every 50 people in the United States. http://www.ocfoundation.org/uploadedImages/OCD%20Teen%20Web.jpg?n=7317

3. www.helpingpsychology.com OCD is characterized by varying degrees of obsessions and compulsions depending on the individual. Obsessions can be defined as repetitive thoughts, and compulsions can be defined as repetitive behaviors. http://i.ehow.com/images/GlobalPhoto/Articles/5069271/anxiety-main_Full.jpg

4. www.helpingpsychology.com For people suffering from OCD, the degree of obsessions can be anything as mild as replaying and analyzing a recent conversation to something as severe as the inability to stop thinking about performing an act of violence. http://www.buzzle.com/img/articleImages/231715-45med.jpg

5. www.helpingpsychology.com Compulsions can range from simply having to beep the car alarm twice to washing one’s hands dozens of times until the hands become raw and blistered. Obsessions can last anywhere from a few minutes to many years, depending on the severity of the OCD. http://i.ehow.com/images/GlobalPhoto/Articles/5144041/258221-main_Full.jpg

6. www.helpingpsychology.com Sometimes, compulsions work in connection with the person’s obsessions, acting for the person as a preventative measure to help keep darker thoughts at bay. Failure to perform the task may make darker thoughts worse. http://www.mentalhelp.net/images/root/ocd1_id25963531_jpg_.jpg

7. www.helpingpsychology.com A mental health professional will evaluate three main criteria before making a diagnosis of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. http://www.cherrypedrick.com/ocd/ocd.jpg

8. www.helpingpsychology.com First, a therapist will determine if the patient suffers from the constant, disturbing thoughts that characterize obsession. For example: Is the patient still thinking about an event that occurred some time ago? http://www.abc.net.au/reslib/200810/r302979_1317873.jpg

9. www.helpingpsychology.com The therapist will then need to know if the person suffers from the unrelenting need to perform certain tasks, signifying that compulsions are present. Does the patient count ceiling tiles or constantly untie and retie their shoes? http://therapyworks.ca/storage/woman%20butterfly.jpg

10. www.helpingpsychology.com Finally, the therapist will try to establish whether these thoughts and actions are interfering with the patient’s everyday life. Is the person still able to work, to eat, to sleep, and interact with others? http://www.holistic360.co.uk/images/Photo%20-%20Woman%20Cleaning%20Windows.jpg

11. www.helpingpsychology.com The most important step in treating OCD is seeing a doctor or psychologist. Depending upon the severity of a person’s OCD, the doctor will outline a course of treatment specific to the patient. Treatment http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3362/3572135000_1e67a3d67d.jpg

12. www.helpingpsychology.com If a person’s obsessive-compulsive behaviors are relatively mild and do not interfere with his or her ability to function in society, the therapist may choose to prescribe only behavioral or “exposure” therapy to help the patient overcome their obsessive-compulsive behaviors. Group therapy, meditation, and/or restriction of caffeine and other stimulants all may be useful in the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vbS7BIUoZ94/SeX0WvEP99I/AAAAAAAABrs/CgR3nn_-z50/s1600-h/ocd+2.jpg http://www.ocdsymptoms.co.uk/images/7434.jpg

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