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Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

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Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Jackie Clanton
PSY/450
January 26, 2013
Dr. Angela Ramirez

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive compulsive disorder is one of many anxiety disorders and is defined as a mental disorder in which an individual experiences obsessions or compulsions, either singly or together according to the Merriam Webster online dictionary. Obsessive compulsive can start in childhood or young adulthood the disorder is equally common among men and women in adulthood (Parmet, Lynm & Golub, 2011). Obsessions are unwanted, recurrent thoughts, impulses, or images that are experienced as intrusive and inappropriate (Parmet, Lynm & Golub, 2011). Compulsions are defined as repetitive behaviors or "rituals" that the person feels driven to perform in a particular way (Parmet, Lynm & Golub, 2011). There are several different ways to treat obsessive compulsive disorder but there is no known cure. Human development relies on socialization with other humans obsessive compulsive disorder can hinder social interaction thus hindering a person’s normal development.
Obsessions and Compulsions Obsessive compulsive disorder occurs more frequently in adolescents and adults than in children, but when it is found in children it is more common in boys than in girls (Parmet, Lynm & Golub, 2011). A person with obsessive compulsive disorder may have obsessions compulsions or both obsessions and compulsions. There are several characteristics of obsessions including the fact that they are not just worries about everyday problems (Parmet, Lynm & Golub, 2011). A person with this disorder realizes that these obsessions are from their own mind and try to suppress them with thoughts and/or actions. Compulsions are a result of trying to control the obsessions a person is experiencing (Parmet, Lynm & Golub, 2011). For example a person who is

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