OCD is a disorder characterized by unwanted and intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) performed to reduce the distress of obsessions. Common obsessions include contamination, aggressive impulses, and symmetry, while common compulsions include excessive washing, checking, and ordering. The disorder is diagnosed using DSM-IV criteria which requires either obsessions or compulsions that are time-consuming and cause distress or impairment.

1. OCD: Implications for CounsellingKaren Boileau, Ashlee Ellerbruch, Maria Elsdon, Meagan Keashly, & Kim Long

2. OverviewHistory of OCDDefining OCDCognitive Behavior TheoryModels of OCDBehavioralCognitive-BehavioralBelief and AppraisalInterventions for OCDMedicationCognitive Behavior Therapy Exposure Response RepetitionImplications for Counselling

3. A Peek at OCDExamples of Obsessionsand CompulsionsA woman spends hours in the shower washing her body in a sequence that has to be the same each time. She will use a towel only if it is handed to her directly from a dryer and has not touched anything An aunt will not babysit for her nieces because she is afraid she will stab them with a knife as they sleepFor five years a woman has been washing her arms up to the elbow 50 times a day until they are raw because she is worried that her germs will infect her familyA man covers everything with a paper towel before touching it. If anything is touched by his clothes, he has to wash it. He can barely use his left hand because he is reluctant to let it touch anything Examples from: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, 1998

4. History of OCD

5. What is OCD?Basic Stats on OCD:A Canadian survey found a lifetime prevalence of 3%

6. The median age of onset is about 19 years old