Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder, characterised by recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviours (compulsions).

A person with OCD will become trapped in a pattern of repetitive thoughts and behaviours that are senseless and distressing but extremely difficult to overcome. This can include repetitive behaviours such as hand washing, counting, or cleaning. They may be filled with doubt and feel the need to check things repeatedly. Performing these so-called "rituals," however, provides only temporary relief and not performing them markedly increases anxiety.

What are the characteristics of OCD?

The key features of OCD include:

Obsessions - unwanted ideas / impulses that are intrusive, unpleasant, and produce a high degree of anxiety. Persistent fears that harm may come to themselves or their loved ones, an unreasonable concern with becoming contaminated or an excessive need to do things correctly are common examples.

Compulsions - repeated behaviours that are carried out in response to the person’s obsessions. The most common of these are washing, checking, counting, repeating and hoarding. These behaviours are generally intended to ward off harm to the person. Some people with OCD have regimented rituals while others have rituals that are complex and changing.


Is there a treatment to arrest the progression of OCD ?

Effective treatments for obsessive-compulsive disorder are available in the form of medication and behavioural therapy treatments


Are there any useful teaching and learning strategies for people with this mental health difficulty?

For information on teaching and learning strategies, click here



Mental Health Ireland
Mensana House
6 Adelaide Street
Dun Laoghaire
Co Dublin
Ireland
Tel: 01 284 1166
Fax: 01 284 1736
e-mail: information@mentalhealthireland.ie
Website: http://www.mentalhealthireland.ie∞


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