Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Can you imagine living your life worrying too much or fear that bad things may happen to you if you do something? These are some of the things that people go through with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Obsessive compulsive disorder is an anxiety disorder that occurs when there is a problem with the way the brain deals with normal worrying and doubts and unwanted frequent thoughts and actions. There are three different forms: OCD, Pure “O”, and “Responsibility OC”. There are also five different types of obsessive compulsive disorders. The symptoms, risk factors, causes, self-care, and treatment are the same for each form. Obsessive compulsive disorder is worrying of the mind. About 2.5% of the United States population has been diagnosed
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The three types that scientist are currently aware of are episodic, continuous, or deteriorative (Sebastian 45). In episodic obsessive compulsive disorder the reoccurrence of these events only last for a specific limited amount of time. The symptoms usually become part of the patients’ life so they can attempt to function normally. Individuals with continuous obsessive compulsive disorder are bothered with severe episodes during stressful periods. These episodes can harm ones social life but usually does not affect their job or home life. The last category for this disorder is deteriorative obsessive compulsive disorder. The symptoms of this type of disorder are so relentless that the victims spend their whole day performing rituals. These people usually do not have jobs or a social …show more content…
Some researchers think that this disorder is caused by a change in the body’s natural chemistry, which could include pregnancy or the six week period after delivery. Others believe that obsessive compulsive disorder comes from habits learned over time or ones environment, while brain injuries may also contribute to obsessive compulsive disorder (Carey). Genetics or family history may also be a risk factor in the diagnoses. Strep throat is another suggestion from researchers. Some scientists think that an antibody against the bacteria in strep throat incorrectly acts as a brain enzyme and interrupts communication between neurons in the brain. This disruption of communication is believed to cause obsessive compulsive disorder. Lastly, many researchers now believe that obsessive compulsive disorder is caused by a chemical disorder of the brain. An inadequate amount of the neurotransmitter, serotonin, is thought to be responsible (Mayo
The three types that scientist are currently aware of are episodic, continuous, or deteriorative (Sebastian 45). In episodic obsessive compulsive disorder the reoccurrence of these events only last for a specific limited amount of time. The symptoms usually become part of the patients’ life so they can attempt to function normally. Individuals with continuous obsessive compulsive disorder are bothered with severe episodes during stressful periods. These episodes can harm ones social life but usually does not affect their job or home life. The last category for this disorder is deteriorative obsessive compulsive disorder. The symptoms of this type of disorder are so relentless that the victims spend their whole day performing rituals. These people usually do not have jobs or a social …show more content…
Some researchers think that this disorder is caused by a change in the body’s natural chemistry, which could include pregnancy or the six week period after delivery. Others believe that obsessive compulsive disorder comes from habits learned over time or ones environment, while brain injuries may also contribute to obsessive compulsive disorder (Carey). Genetics or family history may also be a risk factor in the diagnoses. Strep throat is another suggestion from researchers. Some scientists think that an antibody against the bacteria in strep throat incorrectly acts as a brain enzyme and interrupts communication between neurons in the brain. This disruption of communication is believed to cause obsessive compulsive disorder. Lastly, many researchers now believe that obsessive compulsive disorder is caused by a chemical disorder of the brain. An inadequate amount of the neurotransmitter, serotonin, is thought to be responsible (Mayo