Understanding What is OCD and Its Definition

In the past obsessive compulsive disorder - or what is known as OCD - was a rare disease. Today the numbers are increasing at an alarming speed. Therefore, it has become imperative that we understand what is OCD and its definition.

First of all it is useful to know that OCD is classified as an anxiety disorder by the anxiety DSM IV document. It is generally characterized by complaints of persistent or repetitive thoughts. Those thoughts are also called by some as obsessions. The repetitive pattern does not only involve thought or obsessions but it also includes behaviors. Such repetitive behaviors are also called compulsions.

Therefore, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is described as a psychiatric disorder that involves obsessive thought and compulsive actions. OCD occurs in a spectrum from mild to severe, but if severe and left untreated, can destroy a person's capacity to function at work, at school, or even at home.

OCD can be a disabling condition that can persist throughout the life time of the sufferer. An OCD sufferer becomes trapped in a pattern of repetitive thoughts and behaviors that are senseless and distressing but extremely difficult to overcome. Resisting such thoughts and behaviors would trigger anxiety in the sufferer. The most commonly known compulsive actions are cleaning, checking and counting.

We need to distinguish here between Obsessive compulsive and addictive. The person who suffers from OCD feels compelled to continue despite the awareness that the thoughts and/or behaviors may be excessive or inappropriate but feels distress if they stop them. Addictive behavior on the other hand produces pleasure and/or gratification.

In the USA it is estimated that 2.3% of the population between the ages of 18 and 54 suffer from OCD. It is said that about 3.3 million people suffer from this disorder, and 1 out 200 adults have OCD and twice that number have had OCD at one point in their life.

Treatment of OCD through medication has successful results in reducing the symptoms, but the sufferer must continue the medication indefinitely in many cases if not most. It has been observed that once the sufferer discontinues the medication the symptoms will return. Also it was found that traditional psychotherapy which aims at helping patients develop an insight into their problem was generally found not that helpful. One approach that was found as more successful is a specific behavior therapy approach called "exposure and response prevention."

Another approach targets the main source and its philosophy is that most if not all anxiety related disorders including OCD is caused by something called the Amygdala in the brain. Now this fact is common knowledge among scientists, doctors and practitioners. This method targets the recovery approach through the Amygdala.

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