What is Obsessive-compulsive disorder? Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is one of the anxiety disorders and is potentially disabling condition according to national institute of mental health, NIMH (2000). Individuals with OCD become trapped in a pattern of repetitive thoughts and behaviors that can be senseless and distressing but are extremely hard to over come. Such as checking things repeatedly (e.g. doors, locks and stoves), constant counting either "in ones head" or outwardly, etc. Most of theses obsessions are persistent fears that harm may come to self or a loved one, or an unreasonable concern with becoming contaminated, also excessive need for perfection. According to NIMH (2000), sometimes the obsessions are of a violent or a sexual
Treatment for OCD usually comes down to two most effective treatments, which are drug therapy and behavior therapy. It is common that the most effective of these the two can be used together. "The most effective medications are the SSRI's (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) Prozac, Paxil, Luvox, and Zoloft as well as the Tricyclic Anafranil." (Saxena, 1999) These medications generally help but decreased symptoms are any where from 40%-95% success, but each individual is varies. The medications can take anywhere from six to twelve weeks to start showing effect. According to NIMH (2000) the primary behavior therapy uses for OCD treatment is exposure and response prevention. This type is usually most effective.
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