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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

People with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) suffer intensely from recurrent unwanted thoughts (obsessions), or rituals (compulsions), which they feel they cannot control. Compulsions such as hand washing, counting, checking, or cleaning are often performed in hope of preventing obsessive thoughts or making them go away. Performing these rituals, however, provides only temporary relief, and not performing them markedly increases anxiety. Left untreated obsessions and the need to perform rituals can take over a person's life. OCD is often a chronic, relapsing disease.

What Causes OCD?

There is growing evidence that OCD has a neurobiological basis. OCD is no longer attributed to family problems or to attitudes learned in childhood-for example, an inordinate emphasis on cleanliness, or a belief that certain thoughts are dangerous or unacceptable. Instead, the search for causes now focuses on the interaction neurobiological factors and environmental influences. Brain imaging studies have compared people with and without OCD. Those with OCD have patterns of brain activity that differ from people with other mental illness or people with no diagnosable mental illness. In addition, PET scans show that in people with OCD, both behavioral therapy and medication produce changes in the caudate nucleus, a part of the brain.

What Treatments are Available for OCD?

Treatments for OCD have been developed through research supported by the National Institute on Mental Health and other research institutions. These treatments, which combine medications and behavior therapy (a specific type of psychotherapy), are often effective. Several medications have been proven effective in helping people with OCD. If one drug is ineffective, others can be tried. A number of medications are presently being studied to determine their effectiveness in treating OCD.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Reference: National Mental Health Association  - *Licensure granted to re-print above information obtained from the National Mental Health Association on 1/29/03.

 

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The information contained on this site is not medical advice and should not be construed as behavioral health treatment.  If you need behavioral health treatment, please feel free to contact our offices for information.

Partial funding for services is provided by the Indiana Division of Mental Health and Addiction and the Indiana Division of Disability, Aging and Rehabilitation Services.

Cummins Behavioral Health Systems, Inc. is a not-for-profit provider of behavioral health services.

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