Obsessive Compulsive disorder
... This is just a simple example of obsessive-compulsive disorder, there are so many more. ... More than 2 % of the world population has this anxiety disorder, and that is a lot. ... One of the reasons is, that persons with this behaviour often try to cover up their disorder rather than seek help. Most of the time, they are successful in hiding their obsessive-compulsive symptoms from friends and colleagues, and even loved ones. A regrettable effect of this silence is that too often people with this disorder do not accept professional help until years after the disease started. ... But what exactly is obsessive-compulsive disorder? ... First, the disorder and its symptoms will be explained. After that the causes and the treatment of the disorder will be described. ... Obsessive-compulsive Disorder and its symptoms The obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder. An anxiety disorder is a disturbance in the brain that is characterised either by manifesting anxiety or by behavioural patterns aimed at warding off anxiety (Bootzin et al, 1993). The obsessive-compulsive disorder is an anxiety state that makes an individual who suffers from OCD having repetitive thoughts and behaviours that are unproductive, distressing, and extremely difficult to overcome. ... As the name of the disorder shows, obsessions and compulsions are the basis of the symptoms of the disorder. ... A person may repeatedly check that she has turned off the stove or iron because of an obsessive fear of burning the house down. ... Unlike compulsive drinking or gambling, OCD compulsions do not give the person pleasure. ... This figure on the next page characterizes the representative cycle of an individual suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. ... Carrying out these compulsions, or rituals, does not result in any permanent change, and in fact, the obsessive-compulsive symptoms get worse. Causes of Obsessive-compulsive Disorder Researchers and psychologists are still not completely sure what causes OCD. ... Also the Learning- avoidance theory tries to explain the disorder. ... Treatment Nowadays it is possible to reduce the disorder by different treatments. ... Exposure is usually more helpful in reducing anxiety and obsessions, whereas response prevention is more helpful in reducing compulsive behaviours.