Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Essay example - 1575 Words

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Always washing your hands? Or perhaps you are always counting things or checking things. Are these actions taking over your life or constantly occupying your mind? Perhaps you have obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). It was once thought that OCD was rare; however, recently it has been found that 2-3% (or 7 million Americans) of people have OCD. People with OCD are usually diagnosed by between the ages of 20 and 30, and about 75% of those who will develop OCD will show symptoms by age 30. (1) This leads to a couple questions that need to be answered: What is OCD? What causes it, and what is the most effective treatment? These questions will be answered throughout the paper. OCD is an anxiety†¦show more content†¦This usually occurs when they are not obsessing. They know that their obsessions and compulsions are based on unwarranted fears. However, there are other times when they feel that their fears are completely valid. Even though people with OCD know that their fears are unwarranted, many try to rid themselves of these unwanted, obsessive thoughts and to stop performing their compulsive behaviors. Some can control themselves more while at work or at school. However, over the months or years, peoples abilities to resist their feelings weaken and in the some cases, these rituals that the people with OCD perform can become so time-consuming which impedes their ability to have a full and normal life. Although OCD can consume ones life, people try to keep their disorder from their friends rather than to seek help. Most of the time people are successful in keeping it a secret from their friends and co-workers, but the downside is that they do not get the necessary help until years later after which they have learned to work their lives around their obsessions and compulsions. (4) OCD can begin at any age from preschool age to adult, usually by age 40. Unfortunately, OCD is often unrecognized and a person with OCD can see three or four doctors can spend a decade seeking treatment before being properly diagnosed. It has been found that takes about 17 years from time that symptoms first appear to receiving properShow MoreRelatedObsessive Compulsive Disorder 806 Words   |  3 PagesIntroduction Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Begin your paper with the introduction. The active voice, rather than passive voice, should be used in your writing. First discovered in the 19th Century, the neurosis of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is a complex disorder consisting of obsessive thoughts often accompanied by compulsive behaviors that sufferers repeat in order to alleviate the anxiety caused by these thoughts. Discovery Prior to being seen as a legitimate mental health issue, OCD was originallyRead MoreObsessive Compulsive Disorder1313 Words   |  5 Pagesmay have misspelled a word. You may feel that this is just a personal issue, but in reality, many people all over the world share the same thoughts and feelings. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or more commonly called OCD, as defined by (Obsessive, 2010), is a type of mental illness that causes repeated unwanted thoughts. This common disorder can be found in nearly every region and culture around the world, so even though one dealing with it may feel alone, the person sitting right beside them couldRead MoreObsessive Compulsive Disorder798 Words   |  3 Pagespossible teachers – is required in order to check the obsessions, sensory phenomenon and compulsions in the case. In younger children, OCD features might appear subtly during play activities or drawing. It is vital to differentiate between obsessive compulsive symptoms and normal chi ldhood behavior, such as the normal practice or actions during playtime, food time or bedtime. In this context, the information about degree of distress, impairment and time consumed performing rituals should provideRead MoreEssay on Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder1389 Words   |  6 PagesObsessive-Compulsive Disorder Obsessive-compulsive disorder, commonly known as OCD, is a type of anxiety disorder and was one of the three original neuroses as defined by Freud. It is characterized by recurrent, persistent, unwanted, and unpleasant thoughts (obsessions) or repetitive, purposeful ritualistic behaviors that the person feels driven to perform (compulsions). (1) The prime feature that differentiates OCD from other obsessive or compulsive disorders is that the sufferer understandsRead MoreObsessive-Compulsive Disorder Essay1025 Words   |  5 Pages Obsessive-compulsive disorder, also known as OCD causes people to suffer in silence and secrecy and can destroy relationships and the ability to work. It may bring on shame, ridicule, anger, and intolerance from friends and family. Although it has been reported in children, it strikes most often during adolescence or young adult years. The illness can affect people in any income bracket, of any race, gender, or ethnic group and in any occupation. If people recognize the symptoms and seek treatmentRead MoreObsessive Compulsive Disorder Essay1232 Words   |  5 PagesObsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts that produce uneasiness, apprehension, fear, or worry. The acts of those who have OCD may appear paranoid and potentially psychotic. However, OCD sufferers generally recognize their obsessions and compulsions as irrational and may become further distressed by this realization. Obsessive–compulsive disorder affects children and adolescents, as well as adults. Roughly one third to one half of adults withRead MoreObsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)1756 Words   |  8 Pages Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a disorder that can affect children and adults. In order to fully understand OCD, many different areas of the disorder must be reviewed. First, OCD will be defined and the diagnosis criteria will be discussed. Secondly the prevalence of the disorder will b e considered. The different symptoms, behaviors and means of treatment are also important aspects that will be discussed in order to develop a clearer understanding of the implications of obsessive compulsiveRead MoreObsessive-Compulsive Disorder Essay939 Words   |  4 PagesObsessive-Compulsive Disorder, also known as OCD, is a psychiatric anxiety disorder that is characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts along with repetitive behaviors. These unwanted thoughts are called obsessions and the repetitive behaviors are called compulsions. Repetitive behaviors such as hand washing, checking, counting, and cleaning are usually performed with the hope of making these obsessive thoughts go away or even preventing them. These repetitive behaviors are often referred to asRead MoreEssay on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)875 Words   |  4 Pagessevere Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Obsessive-compulsive disorder is an anxiety disorder that triggers people to have unwanted fixations and to repeat certain activities again and again. Everyone has habits or certain ways of doing something with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder these habits severely interrupt the way they live their lives (Familydoctor.org Editorial Staff). About one in 40 people suffer from some form of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (ABRAMOWITZ). Obsessive Compulsive Disorder oftenRead MoreAs Good as It Gets: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder1721 Words   |  7 PagesAs Good As It Gets: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder I chose the film â€Å"As Good As It Gets† and to focus on the character Melvin. Melvin displays many different behaviors throughout the movie such as anti-Semitic, narcissistic character, mysophobia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. I will be focusing on the cause and effect of Melvin’s dysfunction to do with his OCD. We will examine the character in the movie and explain the assessment, symptoms, diagnosis, causes, and treatments. â€Å"As