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Diagnosis Summary:
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Chelsea Day
University of Utah
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Diagnosis Summary:
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a disabling and chronic mental disorder. About 2.3% of
the population of the United States is diagnosed with this disorder at some point in their lives
(Obsessive-compulsive disorder, 2016). It is the fourth most common mental disorder after
depression, substance abuse and social phobia. The World Health Organization rates it as one of
the ten most handicapping conditions by lost income and decreased quality of life (Veale &
Roberts, 2013). This paper will provide a comprehensive summary of obsessive-compulsive
disorder.
Diagnosis Description
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by the
presence of obsessions and/or compulsions. Obsessions are unwanted intrusive thoughts, doubts,
images or urges that repeatedly enter the mind. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental
acts that a person feels driven to perform in response to an obsession (Veale & Roberts, 2013).
Obsessions are known to increase anxiety and compulsions are meant to decrease the anxiety
related to the obsessions (Stein, 2002). The nature of obsessions and compulsions vary from
person to person, but the most common examples in the United States are related to the
following topics: cleaning, counting, hoarding, checking, and repeated actions such as tapping or
stretching. In obsessive-compulsive disorder, obsessions and compulsions take up a significant
portion of the individuals time lasting at least an hour per day. These obsessions and
compulsions often cause severe emotional distress and can harm the individuals social
relationships. It is important to understand that those with obsessive-compulsive disorder
recognize that the obsessions and compulsions that they experience are a product of their own
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minds, and they realize that it is not normal (Obsessive-compulsive disorder, 2016). While
many individuals may occasionally experience mild obsessions or compulsions, those who have
obsessive-compulsive disorder the symptoms are often debilitated by these symptoms.
Research has shown that there are several likely causes for obsessive-compulsive
disorder. Most theories link the cause of obsessive-compulsive disorder with genetic
predisposition. The families of an individual with obsessive-compulsive disorder are at a much
greater risk of developing the disorder over the general population (Obsessive-compulsive
disorder, 2016). In rare cases, obsessive-compulsive symptoms can also occur in relation to
neurological conditions such as brain tumors, frontotemporal dementia or complications due to
brain surgery. Research has also shown association between emotional, physical, and sexual
abuse or neglect, social isolation, teasing, or bullying (Veale & Roberts, 2013). Regardless of
the current theories, it is still unclear of what specifically causes obsessive-compulsive disorder;
research is continually being done to find an answer.
Diagnostic Criteria
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition
(DSM-V), and as mentioned above, obsessive-compulsive disorder is characterized by the
presence of obsessions, compulsions, or both. The symptoms must not be attributable to the
physiological effects of a substance or another medical condition and they must not be better
explained by the symptoms of another mental disorder (Ciccarelli & White, 2014). These, and
the other defining characteristics mentioned above are the criteria used to diagnose a person with
obsessive-compulsive disorder.
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Manifestation and Presentation of Diagnosis
Obsessive-compulsive disorder manifests itself in a variety of ways and at different times
in peoples lives. The most common age of onset for men is early adolescence and for women,
early 20s. Children can also have obsessive-compulsive disorder; there is a prevalence of about
0.25% in 5 to 15 year olds. (Veale & Roberts, 2013). Obsessive-compulsive disorder presents in
almost all populations with the act of trying to hide compulsions and obsessions. Many
individuals will present with washing and cleaning excessively, checking things frequently, and
severe anxiety. In children it can present as hyperactivity and repetitive motor tics as well as
anxiety, even before a child can verbalize the issue. Avoidance is another common them in
obsessive-compulsive disorder (Veale & Roberts, 2013). Individuals with the disorder may be
avoidant of something that may trigger a compulsion. For example, a child whose obsessions are
related to cleanliness, may go out of their way to not touch a door handle or toilet; an adult
whose obsessions are related to fears of being a pedophile may avoid being in the same room as
a child.
Treatment
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is most commonly, and successfully treated with a
combination of medication and cognitive behavioral therapy. As a last resort option, some
individuals opt to use electroconvulsive therapy, and it has proven successful for some people.
Overall, the goal of treatment is to reduce the frequency of obsessions and compulsions in a way
that allows the individual to function at a normal rate. In terms of medication, individuals are
prescribed drugs that help with serotonin uptake. When it comes to cognitive behavioral therapy,
individuals are trained in ways that help them manage their behavior. For example, an individual
whos compulsions are related to germs may be trained to expose themselves to germs gradually
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until it isnt a problem for them anymore (Obsessive compulsive disorder, 2016). In general,
these treatments are helpful in reducing or eliminating symptoms in individuals with obsessive-
compulsive disorder.
Conclusion
Overall, Ive learned the ins and outs of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Having a
comprehensive understanding of this condition will be helpful in my career as a recreational
therapist. From what Ive been able to read and understand about the disorder, I know that while
I cannot offer medication or cognitive-behavioral therapy, I can create and implement
recreational therapy interventions that help individuals cope with the anxiety that stems from
obsessive-compulsive disorder.
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References
Ciccarelli, S. K., & White, J. N. (2014). Psychology: DSM 5. Boston: Pearson.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder. (n.d.). Retrieved July 10, 2017, from
[Link]
Stein, D. J. (2002). Obsessive-compulsive disorder. The Lancet, 360, 397-405.
Thomsen, P. H. (1999). From Thoughts to Obsessions OCD Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in
Children and Adolescents. London: Jessica Kingsley.
Veale, D., & Roberts, A. (2013). Obsessive-compulsive disorder. British Medical Journal,348,
31-34.
