Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts that produce uneasiness, apprehension, fear, or worry, by repetitive behaviors aimed at reducing the associated anxiety, or by a combination of such obsessions and compulsions. Symptoms of the disorder include excessive washing or cleaning; repeated checking; extreme hoarding; preoccupation with sexual, violent or religious thoughts; relationship-related obsessions; aversion to particular numbers; and nervous rituals, such as opening and closing a door a certain number of times before entering or leaving a room. These symptoms can be alienating and time-consuming, and often cause severe emotional ...

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obsessive–compulsive has become part of the English lexicon, and is often used in an informal or caricatured manner to describe someone who is excessively meticulous, perfectionistic, absorbed, or otherwise fixated.[2]

Although these signs are present in OCD, a person who exhibits them does not necessarily have OCD, and may instead have obsessive–compulsive personality disorder (OCPD), an autism spectrum disorder, disorders where perseveration is a possible feature (ADHD, PTSD, bodily disorders or habit problems),[3] or no clinical condition.

Despite the irrational behaviour, OCD is sometimes associated with above-average intelligence.[4][5] Its sufferers commonly share personality traits such as high attention to detail, avoidance of risk, careful planning, exaggerated sense of responsibility and a tendency to take time in making decisions.[6] Multiple psychological and biological factors may be involved in causing obsessive–compulsive syndromes. Standardized rating scales ...

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Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder. (2012, October 20). Retrieved July 17, 2018, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Obsessive-Compulsive-Disorder/101700

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PAPER DETAILS

Added: 10/20/2012 12:13:56 PM
Submitted By: caro406
Category: Psychology
Type: Free Paper
Words: 324
Pages: 2

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