Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized

by persistent, intrusive thoughts obsessions and repetitive behaviors or mental
acts compulsions.

Definition:

• OCD is a chronic mental health disorder.

• It often begins in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood.

symptoms
Obsessions:

• Emily experiences intrusive thoughts about harming her loved ones

unintentionally.

• Fears that her actions or neglect might lead to catastrophic consequences.

Compulsions:

• Engages in extensive handwashing rituals, spending hours each day to

ensure cleanliness.

• Repeatedly checks appliances and doors, fearing she might leave something
dangerous unlocked.

Prevalence

• OCD affects people of all ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

• Approximately 1-2% of the global population is estimated to have OCD.

Impact on Daily Life:

• Rituals consume several hours daily, affecting her work, relationships, and
overall quality of life.
 • She avoids social gatherings, fearing her obsessions might surface and lead
to embarrassment.

Diagnosis:

Emily is diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder based on DSM-5 criteria,

given the presence of distressing obsessions and time-consuming compulsions.

Treatment Plan:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT):

• Focuses on Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).

• Emily gradually exposes herself to feared thoughts without engaging in

compulsions, learning to tolerate discomfort.

Medication:

• SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) prescribed to help regulate

serotonin levels and alleviate anxiety.

Therapeutic Process:
Assessment

Therapist collaborates with Emily to identify specific obsessions, triggers, and

associated rituals.

Exposure Hierarchy

Develops a hierarchy of anxiety-inducing situations, starting with the least

distressing to the most.

What are the risk factors for OCD?

Although the exact causes of OCD are unknown, various risk factors increase the
chances of developing the disorder.

Genetics:
 Studies have shown that having a first-degree relative (parent or sibling) with
OCD is associated with an increased chance of developing the disorder. Scientists
have not identified any one gene or set of genes that definitively leads to OCD.

Biology:

Brain imaging studies have shown that people with OCD often have differences in
the frontal cortex and subcortical structures of the brain, areas of the brain that
impact the ability to control behavior and emotional responses. Research is
underway to better understand the connection between OCD symptoms and
parts of the brain. This knowledge can help researchers develop and adapt
treatments targeted to specific brain locations.

Temperament: Some research has found that people who exhibit more reserved
behaviors, experience negative emotions, and show symptoms of anxiety and
depression as children are more likely to develop OCD.

Childhood trauma: Some studies have reported an association between

childhood trauma and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. More research is needed
to understand this relationship.