OCD

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) **What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?**  It is an anxiety disorder, and is characterized by recurre nt unwanted thoughts, obsessions, or repetitive behaviors that seem impossible to stop or control. **Treatments**

OCD can be treated using medication (usually a type of antidepressant) and therapy - Citalopram (Celaxa) - Fluoxetine (Prozac) - Fluvoxamine (Luvox) - Paroxetine (Paxil) - Sertraline (Zoloft) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is known to be the best psychotherapy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

**Symptoms and Signs** Obsessions - fear of dirt - fear of germs - fear of contamination - a need for symmetry - a need for perfection Common compulsions - constant washing - cleaning - counting - touching - hoarding - repeating

<span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">**Causes** <span style="color: #ff0064; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Nobody is sure of what causes Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, but some people believe it is linked to a brain problem, learning behavior, heredity, or infection

<span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">**Risk Factors** <span style="color: #ff0064; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">An injury to the head may cause OCD

<span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">**Facts**
 * <span style="color: #ff0064; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Some people with OCD let their everyday behaviors take over their life
 * <span style="color: #ff0064; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">OCD effects about one million boys and girls
 * <span style="color: #ff0064; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">OCD becomes prominent during adolescence or early adulthood

**Works Cited** Miller, Allen R. "What You Need To Know." //Living with Anxiety Disorders.// New York, NY: Facts On File, 2008. 88-89. Print.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001926/ <span style="display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: left;">"NIMH · Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, OCD." //NIMH · Home//. Web. 17 Sept. 2011. <http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd/index.shtml>. <span style="display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: left;">"Obsessive-compulsive Disorder - PubMed Health." //Obsessive-compulsive Disorder//. Web. 17 Sept. 2011. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001926/>. <span style="display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: left;">"Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Symptoms, Behavior, and Treatment." //Helpguide.org: Expert, Ad-free Articles Help Empower You with Knowledge, Support & Hope.// Web. 17 Sept. 2011. <http://helpguide.org/mental/obsessive_compulsive_disorder_ocd.htm>.