Ocd Lather, Rinse, Repeat - 2184 Words

OCD: Lather, Rinse, Repeat Abstract Obsessive-compulsive disorder, also known as just simply OCD, affects from 1% to more than 5% of the total population. This paper gives an overview of current diagnosis criteria, statistical data, causes of the disorder as well as current treatment options. While in the past, most clinicians use drug therapy to treat OCD patients, today treatment options are focusing on a combination of psychological therapy combined with drug therapy in an effort to address underlying problems causing the manifestation of OCD while still treating the symptoms of the disorder. OCD: Lather, Rinse, Repeat Introduction According to the National Library of Medicine, OCD is defined as â€Å"an anxiety disorder in which people have unwanted and repeated thoughts, feelings, ideas, sensations (obsessions), or behaviors that make them feel driven to do something (compulsions)† (2014). While not considered a psychotic illness like schizophrenia, OCD can be very debilitating to its sufferers and can affect them nearly as dramatically. Since OCD is considered a neurotic disorder, there are three criteria that define it accordingly: first, the person knows and understands his or her disorder (that is, they know that have it, whereas patients with psychotic disorders generally do not); second, OCD is considered relatively minor compared to other psychological disorders; and lastly, most people with OCD are still able to function in their day-to-day life.