Newsletters for Mental Health
Theresa Trenier, Intern Counselor, MSOE Counseling Services
November 2006
Dealing with the challenges of school, work, relationships, and family can be very challenging. For some, this challenge is impacted when they are suffering from an anxiety disorder, like obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). OCD is where a person has an unreasonable thought, fear, or worry (also called obsessions) that they try to manage through a ritualized activity (or compulsions) to reduce the anxiety. (3) Common compulsions and rituals can be repeated touching, checking, counting; and, individuals can often experience unwanted thoughts and preoccupations about harming oneself or others. While it is perfectly normal to double check if you turned of the stove or brush your teeth every day, individuals with OCD are performing the rituals to the extent that they are interfering with their daily lives (4).
This disorder is much more common than previously thought. According to the National Institute for Mental Health, OCD affects about 2.2 million American adults, striking men and women equally, and usually appears in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood (4). Additional studies have suggested that even up to 3 million Americans ages 18 to 54 may have OCD (1, 5), with one-third to one-half of adult cases begin in childhood (2). So those suffering with OCD are less alone than they may realize.
To date, the exact cause for OCD is unknown, yet current research suggests that OCD may run in families and may be associated with deficits in neurotransmitters. Fortunately, there is help available. Research has shown that cognitive behavior therapy and antidepressant medications have been very successful in treating OCD (2). Antidepressants can also be helpful, but are not enough. The best way to overcome OCD is a careful combination of medication and therapy. The best keys to coping with this illness are to seek help, be willing to try combinations of treatments, educate yourself as much as possible, and to never give up.
For more information, please visit:
http://www.ocdla.com/OCDtest.html
http://www.brainphysics.com/ybocs.php
- American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). © 1994-2005. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: What it is and How to Treat it. Original date of publication:4/94. www.familydoctor.org
- Mayo Foundation and Medical Education and Research (MFMER) 1998-2006 Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/DS00189
- Ohio State University Medical Center, 2006, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- National Institute of Mental Health, Anxiety Disorders, US Department of Health and Human Services; [cited 2006 November]. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/
- American Psychiatric Association. 1994. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Washington D.C., 417-423.
MSOE Counseling Services creates monthly newsletters on mental health concerns and psychological issues. You can view the complete list of Counseling Services Newsletters.
MSOE Counseling Services is located on the second floor of the Kern Center (K-230). To schedule an appointment with a counselor, call (414) 277-7590 or visit the Counseling Services homepage.