Obsessive-compulsive disorder

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Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Definition:

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent thoughts, feelings, ideas or sensations (obsessions) or behaviors that makes a person feel driven to perform (compulsions). A person may have both obsessions and compulsions.

An example of obsessive-compulsive disorder is excessive, repeated handwashing to ward off infection.

Alternative Names:

Obsessive-compulsive neurosis; OCD

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) was previously believed to be rare. However, recent data shows that about 7 million Americans have the condition.

OCD usually is noticed between the ages of 20 and 30. The majority of those who will develop it show symptoms by age 30.

There are several psychological theories about the cause of OCD, but none have been confirmed. Some reports have linked OCD to head injury and infections. Several studies have shown that there are brain abnormalities in patients with OCD, but more research is needed.

About 20% of those with OCD have motor tics, suggesting the condition may be related to Tourette syndrome. However, this link is not clear.

References:

Moore DP, Jefferson JW. Handbook of Medical Psychiatry. 2nd ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2004:167-170.

Rakel RE. Textbook of Family Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2005:1348-1350.

Review Date: 5/8/2006
Reviewed By: Paul Ballas, D.O., Department of Psychiatry, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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