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What is it? OCD is one of the anxiety
disorders and it is quite common. It affects males and
females equally, as well as people of all ethnic groups.
It often is first detected in the teenage years, but can
also begin in childhood. OCD occurs in a spectrum from
mild to severe, but if severe, and left untreated, it
can destroy a person’s ability to function.
What are the symptoms? People with OCD have
obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors that are
extreme enough to interfere with everyday life.
Obsessions are unwanted ideas or impulses that
repeatedly occur in the mind of the person. These
thoughts may involve the fear that harm may come to the
self or a loved one. They may involve an unreasonable
concern with becoming contaminated or the excessive need
to do things correctly or perfectly. These thoughts are
intrusive, unpleasant and produce a high degree of
anxiety. Sometimes the obsessions are of a violent or a
sexual nature or concern illness.
In response to their obsessions most people with OCD
resort to repetitive behaviors called compulsions. The
most common of these are washing and checking. Other
compulsive behaviors include counting (often while
performing another compulsive action such as hand
washing), repeating, hoarding, and endlessly rearranging
objects in an effort to keep them in precise alignment
with each other. Mental problems, such as mentally
repeating phrases, list making, or checking are also
common. These behaviors generally are intended to ward
off harm to the person with OCD or others. Performing
rituals may give the person with OCD some temporary
relief from anxiety.
When is this a problem? Most people with OCD
struggle to banish their unwanted, obsessive thoughts
and to prevent themselves from engaging in compulsive
behaviors. However, over time, OCD may become so severe
that time-consuming rituals take over the sufferers’
lives, making it impossible for them to continue with
daily activities outside the home. One should get help
when the symptoms of OCD are interfering with daily
life. When the sufferer becomes concerned about the
symptoms it is a problem.
How can you get help? Psychotherapy using
behavioral techniques has been found to be very helpful.
Sometimes, medication can also help the individual to
cope with symptoms. Others may need both forms of
treatment. Students can call the USC Counseling and
Human Development Center at 777-5223 to make an
appointment.
Additional links:
Obsessive-Compulsive Anonymous -
http://lexington-on-line.com/naf.html
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Resource Center -
http://www.ocdresource.com/
Obsessive-Compulsive Foundation -
http://www.ocfoundation.org
OCD-L Email List -
listserv@vm.marist.edu
OCD Online -
http://www.ocdonline.com
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