1. OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER
ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY
OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER

2. WHAT IS OCD?
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic mental health condition that is usually associated with both obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviour.
(an OCD sufferer discusses his illness and treatment)
(Howie Mandel’s struggle with OCD)
An obsession is defined as an unwanted thought, image or urge that repeatedly enters a person’s mind.
A compulsion is defined as a repetitive behaviour or mental act that a person feels compelled to perform.
Unlike some other types of compulsive behaviour, such as an addiction to drugs or gambling, a person with OCD gets no pleasure from their compulsive behaviour. They feel that they need to carry out their compulsion to prevent their obsession becoming true. For example, a person who is obsessed with the fear that they will catch a serious disease may feel compelled to have a shower every time they use a public toilet.

3. HOW COMMON IS OCD?
OCD is one of the most common mental health conditions. It is estimated that about 1-3% of adults and 2% of children and teenagers have OCD. (15-20 students at Cochrane High??)
In men, OCD symptoms usually begin during adolescence. In women they generally start later, usually in the early 20s. OCD symptoms can begin at any time, including childhood.

4. PROGNOSIS
If left untreated, the symptoms of OCD may not improve and, in some cases, they will get worse.
With treatment, the prognosis for OCD is good, and some people will achieve a complete cure. Even if a complete cure is not achievable, treatment can reduce the severity of a person’s symptoms and help them to achieve a good quality of life.
A form of psychotherapy, known as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), (it involves changing thought patterns) can be very successful in helping many people with OCD.
disorder/Pages/Introduction.aspx

5. SOME COMMON OCDs Checkers:
Checkers feel compelled to check objects such as door locks and “off” settings on household appliances. They live with an excessive, irrational fear that harm will be brought to themselves or others because of a failure to check and recheck things. They often visualize horrific catastrophes in which they are to blame for a lack of responsibility. Checkers often develop elaborate checking rituals that make it difficult for them complete daily tasks.

6. Washers and Cleaners
Washers and cleaners have an irrational fear of contamination. They compulsively avoid potential contaminants. They have obsessions regarding disease spread by dirt, germs, viruses, and foreign substances. They live with the constant dread of becoming contaminated or contaminating others. Washers and Cleaners often wash and clean their hands, clothes, and houses countless times a day, though they never feel clean or “safe” from contaminants.

8. ORDERERS
Orderers are focused on arranging things in the “right” way. Often, they must organize things in an exact, particular, or “perfect” way before beginning daily tasks. They become extremely distressed if their things are moved, touched, or rearranged.

9. OBSESSIONALS
Obsessionals experience unwanted, intrusive and horrific thoughts and images of causing harm to others. Many Obsessionals engage in repetitive thoughts such as praying, counting, or repeating certain words, in order to counteract their disturbing thoughts.

10. HOARDERS
Hoarders collect insignificant items and have difficulty throwing away things most people would consider to be of no value. Hoarders often have chaotic living environments as a result of their extensive collections.

14. Watch the story of the “Cat Man” – obsessed with becoming a tiger – is he normal or abnormal?