Obsessive‐Compulsive Disorder

Abstract

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a neurobiological disorder. The disorder OCD is now the fourth most common psychiatric disorder among Americans. (Adams & Burke, 1999) Two percent of adults have some level of OCD and many others have experienced signs at some point. (Campost & Leckaman, 1999) The number of children that have this disorder is one out of two hundred. (Black) The causes of OCD can be physical or emotional or both. (Barlow, 2002) Treatments for OCD include Cognitive Behavior therapy, Visual Reality therapy, medications, social skills training, support groups and individual and family therapy. (Lutz, 2002) Neurological disorders associated with OCD are Tourette Syndrome (TS), Dsymorphic Disorder, Trichotillomania, and depression. OCD is a disabling disorder that can destroy a person's life. (Journal of Mental Health, 2005) Early intervention can be the difference between a productive individual and a person who is incapacitated and unable to function. It also causes social and personal destruction.