OCD: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

The obsessive-compulsive disorder is a psychiatric illness that can affect people of all ages, and it is based in obsessions. These obsessions are annoying thoughts that cause unpleasant emotions like fear, then the person does compulsions to decrease his/her distress.

Although OCD can occur at any age, there are generally two age ranges when OCD tends to appear first: - Between the ages 8 and 12.    – Between the late teen years and early adulthood.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health of the United Estates, actually about 1 in 100 adults currently have OCD. There is also at least 1 in 200 kids and teens that has OCD.

Today, we still do not know the exact cause of OCD, but some research suggests that OCD involves problems in communication between the front part of the brain and deeper structures of the brain. These brain structures use a neurotransmitter called serotonin. Some studies say that in some people, the brain circuits involved in OCD become more normal with medications that affect serotonin levels.

The most effective treatments for OCD are Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and medication. More specifically, the most effective treatments are a type of CBT called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), which has a class of medications called serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRI).

Finally, there are many types of OCD and it is probable that you will have one.

Sergio L. S.

4th ESO A