Severeobsessive-compulsive disorder(OCD) is a debilitating mental health condition.
These acts are performed in an attempt to reduce anxiety triggered by the obsessions.
OCD has a lifetime prevalence of approximately 2.3% among adults in the United States.
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Up to half of adults with OCD experience serious impairment, known as severe OCD.
Symptoms may be considered severe if they are causing significant disruption and distress.
Persons with OCD have symptoms relating to obsessions, compulsions, or both.
Obsessions are repeated thoughts, urges, or mental images that trigger anxiety.
Up to 50% of cases have juvenile-onset, while less than 10% start after age 40.
Age of onset may play a role in severity.
Early or middle childhood onset has been associated with a better outcome and higher rate of spontaneous remission.
Onset in adolescence or later in life may result in more persistent symptoms and course of the condition.
Brain Activity
Brain studies have noted differences in the brains of people with and without OCD.
Medications that target serotonin levels can help reduce OCD symptoms.
Other conditions likedepressionor other emotional problems can also cause a worsening of symptoms.
Associated Conditions
Comorbidities (co-occurring conditions) are common in people with OCD.
Conditions seen alongside OCD include:
Many people with OCD also experiencesuicidal thoughtsand actions.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call911.
This suggests that early intensive and long-term treatment may result in better outcomes for people with OCD.
There are severaltypes of treatmentsavailable for OCD, which most commonly include medication and/or psychotherapy (talk therapy).
Psychotherapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy(CBT) is the most common psychotherapy used to treat OCD.
It helps with:
CBT for OCD has two major components.
It is typically treated with medications, such as antidepressants, and psychotherapy, such as CBT.
Some people with OCD experience severe symptoms that cause debilitating disruptions to their level of functioning.
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