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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. What Is It?. Traps people in endless cycles of repetitive thoughts (obsessions) and in feelings that they must repeat certain actions (compulsions).
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What Is It? • Traps people in endless cycles of repetitive thoughts (obsessions) and in feelings that they must repeat certain actions (compulsions). • Obsession: A young woman is continuously terrified by the thought that cars might careen onto the sidewalk and run her over. • Compulsion: She always walks as far from the street pavement and wears red clothes so that she will be immediately visible to an out-of-control car.
Why is it an Anxiety Disorder? • People with OCD feel as though they don’t know anything with certainty • Senses aren’t trusted—hand washing example • May know that their obsession is “crazy” but are powerless to stop it.
Who has OCD? • Estimate that 4 million Americans have OCD at some point in their lives • Occurs at all age and socioeconomic levels • Usually appears before age 25 • Tends to run in families • Suggests a biological component
Treatment Options • Exposure and Response Prevention • Issue with germs? Touch something germy and DON’T wash hands • Cognitive-Behavior Therapy • Rework thought processes—severe avoidance of germs is unnecessary and unrealistic • Body Focused Therapy • Get out of your head and pay attention to body
More Treatment Options • Postpone Obsessing • Change ways to obsess • Audiotape Technique