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Resources by Disability
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Definition: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder that affects about 2.2 million Americans.
Symptoms: People with OCD perform repetitive actions (known as compulsions) to reduce feelings of anxiety and temporarily relieve unwanted thoughts, images, or impulses (obsessions). Common compulsions include hand washing, counting, touching things in a particular sequence, and cleaning. Symptoms can range from mild to severe; they may come and go, improve, or worsen over time. OCD can emerge in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood.
Cause: While the exact causes of OCD are unclear, family history and traumatic life events are thought to increase the risk of developing OCD.
Diagnosis: Mental health professionals conduct a thorough evaluation to identifying key behavioral and physical signs of the condition. (A common physical indicator is dermatitis due to frequent hand washing.) To be diagnosed with OCD, the person must have excessive obsessions or compulsions that significantly interfere with their daily routines.
Treatment: Prescription medications, behavior therapy and psychotherapy can help manage the symptoms of OCD. Patients may also benefit from joining a support group and learning stress management techniques.
Myth: People with OCD are falsely believed to be out of touch with reality due to unusual obsessions or compulsions. In reality, OCD generally does not progress to psychosis if it is treated properly.
Notable People with OCD:
- Harrison Ford, an American actor.
- David Beckham, a British soccer player.
Support Groups:
The Philadelphia Affiliate of the National Obsessive Compulsive Foundation
c/o The Anxiety and Agoraphobia Treatment Center (AATC)
112 Bala Avenue
Bala Cynwyd PA 19004
Tel: (610) 667-6490
Website: http://www.philaocdgoal.org/
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