Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), the most severe of the anxiety disorders, is characterized by recurrent, intrusive thoughts or obsessions—irrational fears of danger, illness or germs, for example—and repetitive,...
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Did you know the average age of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) onset is 19 years old?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or OCD, is an anxiety disorder and is characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Repetitive behaviors such as handwashing, counting or cleaning are often performed with the hope of preventing obsessive thoughts or making them go away. Performing these so-called "rituals," however, provides only temporary relief, and not performing them markedly increases anxiety.
Kate D. Fitzgerald, M.D.
January 19, 2012
John S. March, MD, MPH
October 19, 2011
A recent 12-week study conducted by a team including John S. March, MD, MPH and Scott Compton, PhD indicates that cognitive behavioral therapy, in addition to medication, significantly improves the symptoms of OCD in...
Stephanie Dulawa, Ph.D.
September 20, 2011
Currently, there is only one type of medication that has been shown to be effective in treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SRIs), including clomipramine, have been shown to reduce...
Brain & Behavior Research Foundation
February 16, 2011
Patient Voices: OCD
Nagging doubts, compulsions, concerns of contamination, obsessive hoarding: the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder are numerous and varied. What is it like to live this way? How does one...
H. Blair Simpson, M.D., Ph.D.
February 01, 2011
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), the most severe of the anxiety disorders, is typified by intrusive, distressing thoughts that lead to compulsive, repetitive behaviors that can greatly diminish quality of life and...
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