 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.

 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.

 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

 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

 Postpone Obsessing  Change ways to obsess  Audiotape Technique