Types of OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)

TYPES OF OCD AND THEIR TREATMENT INFOGRAPHIC CONTENT WHAT IS OCD? Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental illness that affects roughly one percent of the adult population. Individuals who suffer from this disorder experience intrusive thoughts and anxiety, as well as the need to fulfill repetitive - and sometimes bizarre - behaviors known as "compulsions." CHECKING The need to constantly check doors, windows, and appliances for a seal or locking mechanism to ensure safety. Checking data (phone numbers, receipts, etc.) for accuracy also fits into this type of OCD. Repetition of the act is a major part of "Checking." CONTAMINATION A fear of viruses, germs, dirty surfaces, and even contact with others highlights contamination OCD. Without excessive hand or body washing, as well as avoidance of others and constant sterilization of surfaces, the individual in question feels vulnerable or contaminated. HOARDING The inability to discard worn out, damaged, or otherwise useless possessions - often to the point of unsanitary and unsafe living conditions. An individual's "hoard" can spread to other locations and even into his or her motor vehicles. Thanks to popular TV shows like "Hoarders" and "Hoarding: Buried Alive," awareness for this type of OCD is at an all-time high. INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS Inner questions about one's sexual orientation, a desire to harm others, and disturbing ruminations over "what if?" scenarios ("what happens if I drive off this cliff?") are all examples of intrusive thoughts. The big key here is that the individual doesn't have the ability to stop this steady stream of unwanted thoughts. SYMMETRY & ORDERING Perhaps the most widely-known type of OCD, symmetry and ordering compulsions focus on bringing balance and harmony to an environment - often at the expense of the mental stability of the individual in question. Meticulously organizing household objects and lining up items in restaurants and other public places are prime examples of symmetry and ordering compulsions. TREATING THIS DISORDER EXPOSURE AND RESPONSE PREVENTION (ERP) THERAPY Exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy forces the patient to confront their OCD fears and compulsions on a regular basis. With the help of a trained medical professional, this repeated exposure can help minimize or remove the need for these unnecessary or intrusive stimulus responses. MEDICATION GROUP SESSIONS Psychiatric medications - like clomipramine, fluvoxamine, and sertraline - can all help suppress or Like other mental disorders, open and honest discussions at group therapy with other similarly diagnosed patients has been shown to be an effective way to handle the emotional and psychological duress that comes with OCD. counteract the chemical interactions within the brain that trigger OCD obsessions and compulsions. INFOGRAPHIC SOURCES Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Among Adults. (n.d.). Retrieved October 23, 2015, from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/prevalence/obsessive- compulsive-disorder-among-adults.shtml Types of OCD | OCD Ottawa. (n.d.). Retrieved October 23, 2015, from http://www.ocdottawa.com/about-ocd/types-of-ocd/ The Different Types of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. (n.d.). Retrieved October 23, 2015, from http://www.ocduk.org/types-ocd Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). (n.d.). Retrieved October 23, 2015, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ocd/basics/ treatment/con-20027827 (therapytribe find wellness