Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Essay - 1633 Words

Everyone has experienced emotions such as anxiety, fear, and worry; they are a part of everyday life. These reactions are normal and healthy; they typically dont come too often, and when they do, they dont last very long. However, the United States Health and Human Services Department (1998) estimates there is about 3.2 million Americans that suffer from a psychological anxiety disorder called obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Those who suffer from this condition have frequent upsetting and unreasonable thoughts, worries, or fears. The Harvard Mental Health Letter (1998) notes that: â€Å"The most common obsessional theme is cleanliness (dirt and germs), followed by aggression and sex, safety, and order or symmetry. Obsessions may take†¦show more content†¦417) The obsessive thoughts and compulsive rituals performed by those with the disorder can often be alienating. They may find it difficult to maintain romantic relationships and friendships. Another alienating factor to this condition is the fact that many people dont know or understand what OCD is or what it looks like; if they witness an OCD sufferer performing rituals, they may think he or she is just crazy. They dont realize that a sufferer from this disorder literally does not have control of their thoughts and can not just simply make the decision to stop their compulsions. OCD can also be time-consuming, and will interfere with daily life, as sufferers can sometimes spend many hours completing their rituals. A Real Illness: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (2008) quotes the story of a person wit h OCD: â€Å"I couldnt touch any doors or countertops in public areas. I knew it didnt make any sense, but I was terrified of getting germs that could kill me. I almost couldnt go out in public, I was so afraid. If I thought I had touched anything, I would have to wash myself for hours. Sometimes I washed so much that my skin would get red and raw and bleed†. Sufferers of OCD also can experience financial strain, as they are often unable to work and can dispose of food and other things that they see in their mind as unclean. People who have obsessive-compulsive disorder can have one or more compulsions, which vary from person to person. â€Å"Compulsive rituals temporarilyShow MoreRelatedObsessive Compulsive Disorder 806 Words   |  3 PagesIntroduction Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Begin your paper with the introduction. The active voice, rather than passive voice, should be used in your writing. First discovered in the 19th Century, the neurosis of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is a complex disorder consisting of obsessive thoughts often accompanied by compulsive behaviors that sufferers repeat in order to alleviate the anxiety caused by these thoughts. Discovery Prior to being seen as a legitimate mental health issue, OCD was originallyRead MoreObsessive Compulsive Disorder1313 Words   |  5 Pagesmay have misspelled a word. You may feel that this is just a personal issue, but in reality, many people all over the world share the same thoughts and feelings. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or more commonly called OCD, as defined by (Obsessive, 2010), is a type of mental illness that causes repeated unwanted thoughts. This common disorder can be found in nearly every region and culture around the world, so even though one dealing with it may feel alone, the person sitting right beside them couldRead MoreObsessive Compulsive Disorder798 Words   |  3 Pagespossible teachers – is required in order to check the obsessions, sensory phenomenon and compulsions in the case. In younger children, OCD features might appear subtly during play activities or drawing. It is vital to differentiate between obsessive compulsive symptoms and normal chi ldhood behavior, such as the normal practice or actions during playtime, food time or bedtime. In this context, the information about degree of distress, impairment and time consumed performing rituals should provideRead MoreEssay on Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder1389 Words   |  6 PagesObsessive-Compulsive Disorder Obsessive-compulsive disorder, commonly known as OCD, is a type of anxiety disorder and was one of the three original neuroses as defined by Freud. It is characterized by recurrent, persistent, unwanted, and unpleasant thoughts (obsessions) or repetitive, purposeful ritualistic behaviors that the person feels driven to perform (compulsions). (1) The prime feature that differentiates OCD from other obsessive or compulsive disorders is that the sufferer understandsRead MoreObsessive-Compulsive Disorder Essay1025 Words   |  5 Pages Obsessive-compulsive disorder, also known as OCD causes people to suffer in silence and secrecy and can destroy relationships and the ability to work. It may bring on shame, ridicule, anger, and intolerance from friends and family. Although it has been reported in children, it strikes most often during adolescence or young adult years. The illness can affect people in any income bracket, of any race, gender, or ethnic group and in any occupation. If people recognize the symptoms and seek treatmentRead MoreObsessive Compulsive Disorder Essay1232 Words   |  5 PagesObsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts that produce uneasiness, apprehension, fear, or worry. The acts of those who have OCD may appear paranoid and potentially psychotic. However, OCD sufferers generally recognize their obsessions and compulsions as irrational and may become further distressed by this realization. Obsessive–compulsive disorder affects children and adolescents, as well as adults. Roughly one third to one half of adults withRead MoreObsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)1756 Words   |  8 Pages Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a disorder that can affect children and adults. In order to fully understand OCD, many different areas of the disorder must be reviewed. First, OCD will be defined and the diagnosis criteria will be discussed. Secondly the prevalence of the disorder will b e considered. The different symptoms, behaviors and means of treatment are also important aspects that will be discussed in order to develop a clearer understanding of the implications of obsessive compulsiveRead MoreObsessive-Compulsive Disorder Essay939 Words   |  4 PagesObsessive-Compulsive Disorder, also known as OCD, is a psychiatric anxiety disorder that is characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts along with repetitive behaviors. These unwanted thoughts are called obsessions and the repetitive behaviors are called compulsions. Repetitive behaviors such as hand washing, checking, counting, and cleaning are usually performed with the hope of making these obsessive thoughts go away or even preventing them. These repetitive behaviors are often referred to asRead MoreEssay on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)875 Words   |  4 Pagessevere Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Obsessive-compulsive disorder is an anxiety disorder that triggers people to have unwanted fixations and to repeat certain activities again and again. Everyone has habits or certain ways of doing something with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder these habits severely interrupt the way they live their lives (Familydoctor.org Editorial Staff). About one in 40 people suffer from some form of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (ABRAMOWITZ). Obsessive Compulsive Disorder oftenRead MoreAs Good as It Gets: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder1721 Words   |  7 PagesAs Good As It Gets: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder I chose the film â€Å"As Good As It Gets† and to focus on the character Melvin. Melvin displays many different behaviors throughout the movie such as anti-Semitic, narcissistic character, mysophobia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. I will be focusing on the cause and effect of Melvin’s dysfunction to do with his OCD. We will examine the character in the movie and explain the assessment, symptoms, diagnosis, causes, and treatments. â€Å"As