Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Angela Deibler
Mr. Milnes
Honors Psychology
25 December 2016
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder– Psychology Research Paper Obsessive compulsive disorder is a chronic and common psychological disorder in which the sufferer experiences repetitive unwanted thoughts and subsequently feels the need to perform certain actions in response to these thoughts. The victim suffers from urges to repeat these thoughts and behaviors routinely. The recurring thoughts are referred to as obsessions, while the resulting behaviors are referred to as compulsions. These compulsions are usually irrational acts (Milnes). Examples of obsessions include the fear of contamination or germs and feeling the need for all things to be in perfect order. Examples of compulsions …show more content…
include excessive hand-washing in order to calm obsessions about contamination as well as repeatedly checking household appliances, such as making sure that light switches are turned off or that the door is locked. Not all habits or rituals should be considered compulsions, as some behaviors are performed in moderation and not considered a symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, identifying the presence of obsessive-compulsive disorder includes examining the amount to which an individual has unwanted thoughts and performs actions in response. A person with obsessive-compulsive disorder is not able to control their thoughts or behaviors despite their efforts, and the disorder is long-lasting. If the OCD is developed during childhood, the person may have the disorder for their entire life, but 40% of these individuals may have a decrease in symptoms by the beginning years of adulthood. Meanwhile, adults with OCD have approximately a 20% remission rate (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 243). Those with OCD will spend a minimum of one hour per day suffering from these thoughts or behaviors. When performing rituals or behaviors in response to these thoughts, the person will feel temporary relief from the anxiety induced by their obsessions. Individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder have large difficulty functioning in everyday life and in carrying out ordinary tasks as a result of this disorder. For example, in one study of OCD, researchers described the case of a woman who suffered from the constant obsession and fear of becoming contaminated with germs from anything she touched. As a result, she washed her hands nearly 500 times per day (Rathus). OCD affects adults, adolescents, and children all over the world, and most sufferers of this disorder are usually diagnosed by the age of 19 (Beyond OCD). Researchers have engaged in various methods of investigation in hopes of finding the cause of obsessive-compulsive disorder. It is currently believed that OCD is the product of a combination of genetic, behavioral, cognitive, neurobiological, and environmental factors. Biological factors include communication errors that exist within different parts of the brain. The orbitofrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, striatum, and thalamus, which are sections of the brain that involve the processing of information and the conversion of thoughts into actions, experience problems with communication. As a result, incorrect information travels throughout the communication system and the victim is overcome by their thoughts and actions (Beyond OCD). In a study funded by the National Institutes of Health, researchers examined DNA and concluded that OCD may be affected by an unusual change of the gene known as hSERT, which transports serotonin in the human body, a neurotransmitter that plays a central role in regulating a person’s mood (Salters-Pedneault). Additionally, researchers have taken pictures of the human brain using neuroimaging technology. Through these images, researchers are able to determine the functions of various parts of the brain. The pictures show the areas of the brain that function differently in those with OCD compared to those who do not suffer from the disorder (Beyond OCD). Behavioral and environmental factors may also play a part in the onset of OCD. For example, in terms of behavioral factors, behavioral conditioning may result in the development and maintenance of obsessions and compulsions. Meanwhile, in terms of environmental factors, traumatic brain injury may serve as a cause of the disorder. Meanwhile, although stress or sickness do not specifically cause OCD itself, they still may cause the onset of the symptoms of OCD (Beyond OCD). In regards to the nature-nurture debate, several twin studies have been performed to determine whether OCD is caused more by biological or by environmental factors. Studies of identical twins have shown that if one twin has OCD, the other twin is also more likely to have OCD, indicating that OCD has more of a biological cause. Twin studies suggest that genetics are the cause for 45% to 65% of risk for developing OCD (Grootheest). The Obsessive-Compulsive Cognitions Working Group is a group of researchers from all over the world who study OCD and have suggested that the beginning and maintenance of OCD is related to the brain’s inappropriate adjustment in response to mental disturbance (Doron). The research group has formulated several different dysfunctional beliefs that a person with OCD possesses. These beliefs include the belief that one is responsible for preventing negative outcomes of a situation, the belief that having a bad thought will increase the chance of the bad thought becoming a reality, the belief that it is necessary for one to have complete control over their thoughts, the belief that bad thoughts will definitely happen and will be even worse than imagined, the belief that mistakes are completely unacceptable, and the belief that it is essential to know for sure that negative events will not occur (Grootheest). Various coping methods have been explored to mitigate the suffering caused by OCD, although some methods are unhealthy. Some individuals completely avoid situations that may trigger their obsessions. For example, one suffering from OCD who has obsessions relating to the fear of germs may avoid all bathrooms. On the other hand, individuals might use drugs or alcohol to calm themselves. However, these coping mechanisms are counterproductive. The avoidance of situations that may trigger obsessions will expand and further solidify the fear of the victim. OCD can also cause an array of physical symptoms due to unhealthy compulsions. Those with obsessions of having a slim body may become anorexic, while those who find themselves unable to get rid of physical objects may develop hoarding disorders (Mental Health Regimen). Contradictorily to unhealthy coping mechanisms, positive methods of OCD therapy have emerged.
One method of therapy is behavior therapy, in which it is believed that OCD is the result of responses and actions that have been learned or discovered in an unusual way. Behavior therapy is based on the idea that an object that was once neutral to a victim had become associated with something that causes fear. Therefore, even if a neutral object and the fear-causing situation are completely unrelated, if the object and situation are present or occur at the same time, this occurrence will create the belief that the two objects or the object and situation are connected. As the person who believes these two objects or objects and situations are related, they attempt to reduce the anxiety produced by the object, and compulsions begin to form (Wayne K. Goodman). Through behavior therapy, the person suffering with OCD is exposed to the anxiety-inducing object and then is prevented from the urge to perform the compulsion. This cycle of actions repeats until the obsessions no longer cause fear. Medication and cognitive behavioral therapy are considered the most effective ways so start treatment of OCD (Mental Health Regimen).
In relation to psychology, the psychoanalytic theory has offered that obsessions and compulsions are the result of inappropriate adjustments or inappropriate responses to conflicts that occurred during one’s childhood. According to the psychoanalytic theory, the symptoms of OCD are representative of the victim’s unconscious struggle to control certain drives that they know are unacceptable. The symptoms a person experiences may serve as indicators of that person’s major priorities or fears (Wayne K.
Goodman).
Obsessive-compulsive disorder spurs repetitive unwanted thoughts and subsequent compulsions to reduce the anxiety caused by these thoughts. Although this disorder may last an excessive amount of time, various coping methods are surfacing as researchers continue to perform studies in hopes of finding causes and cures.
Mr. Milnes
Honors Psychology
25 December 2016
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder– Psychology Research Paper Obsessive compulsive disorder is a chronic and common psychological disorder in which the sufferer experiences repetitive unwanted thoughts and subsequently feels the need to perform certain actions in response to these thoughts. The victim suffers from urges to repeat these thoughts and behaviors routinely. The recurring thoughts are referred to as obsessions, while the resulting behaviors are referred to as compulsions. These compulsions are usually irrational acts (Milnes). Examples of obsessions include the fear of contamination or germs and feeling the need for all things to be in perfect order. Examples of compulsions …show more content…
include excessive hand-washing in order to calm obsessions about contamination as well as repeatedly checking household appliances, such as making sure that light switches are turned off or that the door is locked. Not all habits or rituals should be considered compulsions, as some behaviors are performed in moderation and not considered a symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, identifying the presence of obsessive-compulsive disorder includes examining the amount to which an individual has unwanted thoughts and performs actions in response. A person with obsessive-compulsive disorder is not able to control their thoughts or behaviors despite their efforts, and the disorder is long-lasting. If the OCD is developed during childhood, the person may have the disorder for their entire life, but 40% of these individuals may have a decrease in symptoms by the beginning years of adulthood. Meanwhile, adults with OCD have approximately a 20% remission rate (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 243). Those with OCD will spend a minimum of one hour per day suffering from these thoughts or behaviors. When performing rituals or behaviors in response to these thoughts, the person will feel temporary relief from the anxiety induced by their obsessions. Individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder have large difficulty functioning in everyday life and in carrying out ordinary tasks as a result of this disorder. For example, in one study of OCD, researchers described the case of a woman who suffered from the constant obsession and fear of becoming contaminated with germs from anything she touched. As a result, she washed her hands nearly 500 times per day (Rathus). OCD affects adults, adolescents, and children all over the world, and most sufferers of this disorder are usually diagnosed by the age of 19 (Beyond OCD). Researchers have engaged in various methods of investigation in hopes of finding the cause of obsessive-compulsive disorder. It is currently believed that OCD is the product of a combination of genetic, behavioral, cognitive, neurobiological, and environmental factors. Biological factors include communication errors that exist within different parts of the brain. The orbitofrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, striatum, and thalamus, which are sections of the brain that involve the processing of information and the conversion of thoughts into actions, experience problems with communication. As a result, incorrect information travels throughout the communication system and the victim is overcome by their thoughts and actions (Beyond OCD). In a study funded by the National Institutes of Health, researchers examined DNA and concluded that OCD may be affected by an unusual change of the gene known as hSERT, which transports serotonin in the human body, a neurotransmitter that plays a central role in regulating a person’s mood (Salters-Pedneault). Additionally, researchers have taken pictures of the human brain using neuroimaging technology. Through these images, researchers are able to determine the functions of various parts of the brain. The pictures show the areas of the brain that function differently in those with OCD compared to those who do not suffer from the disorder (Beyond OCD). Behavioral and environmental factors may also play a part in the onset of OCD. For example, in terms of behavioral factors, behavioral conditioning may result in the development and maintenance of obsessions and compulsions. Meanwhile, in terms of environmental factors, traumatic brain injury may serve as a cause of the disorder. Meanwhile, although stress or sickness do not specifically cause OCD itself, they still may cause the onset of the symptoms of OCD (Beyond OCD). In regards to the nature-nurture debate, several twin studies have been performed to determine whether OCD is caused more by biological or by environmental factors. Studies of identical twins have shown that if one twin has OCD, the other twin is also more likely to have OCD, indicating that OCD has more of a biological cause. Twin studies suggest that genetics are the cause for 45% to 65% of risk for developing OCD (Grootheest). The Obsessive-Compulsive Cognitions Working Group is a group of researchers from all over the world who study OCD and have suggested that the beginning and maintenance of OCD is related to the brain’s inappropriate adjustment in response to mental disturbance (Doron). The research group has formulated several different dysfunctional beliefs that a person with OCD possesses. These beliefs include the belief that one is responsible for preventing negative outcomes of a situation, the belief that having a bad thought will increase the chance of the bad thought becoming a reality, the belief that it is necessary for one to have complete control over their thoughts, the belief that bad thoughts will definitely happen and will be even worse than imagined, the belief that mistakes are completely unacceptable, and the belief that it is essential to know for sure that negative events will not occur (Grootheest). Various coping methods have been explored to mitigate the suffering caused by OCD, although some methods are unhealthy. Some individuals completely avoid situations that may trigger their obsessions. For example, one suffering from OCD who has obsessions relating to the fear of germs may avoid all bathrooms. On the other hand, individuals might use drugs or alcohol to calm themselves. However, these coping mechanisms are counterproductive. The avoidance of situations that may trigger obsessions will expand and further solidify the fear of the victim. OCD can also cause an array of physical symptoms due to unhealthy compulsions. Those with obsessions of having a slim body may become anorexic, while those who find themselves unable to get rid of physical objects may develop hoarding disorders (Mental Health Regimen). Contradictorily to unhealthy coping mechanisms, positive methods of OCD therapy have emerged.
One method of therapy is behavior therapy, in which it is believed that OCD is the result of responses and actions that have been learned or discovered in an unusual way. Behavior therapy is based on the idea that an object that was once neutral to a victim had become associated with something that causes fear. Therefore, even if a neutral object and the fear-causing situation are completely unrelated, if the object and situation are present or occur at the same time, this occurrence will create the belief that the two objects or the object and situation are connected. As the person who believes these two objects or objects and situations are related, they attempt to reduce the anxiety produced by the object, and compulsions begin to form (Wayne K. Goodman). Through behavior therapy, the person suffering with OCD is exposed to the anxiety-inducing object and then is prevented from the urge to perform the compulsion. This cycle of actions repeats until the obsessions no longer cause fear. Medication and cognitive behavioral therapy are considered the most effective ways so start treatment of OCD (Mental Health Regimen).
In relation to psychology, the psychoanalytic theory has offered that obsessions and compulsions are the result of inappropriate adjustments or inappropriate responses to conflicts that occurred during one’s childhood. According to the psychoanalytic theory, the symptoms of OCD are representative of the victim’s unconscious struggle to control certain drives that they know are unacceptable. The symptoms a person experiences may serve as indicators of that person’s major priorities or fears (Wayne K.
Goodman).
Obsessive-compulsive disorder spurs repetitive unwanted thoughts and subsequent compulsions to reduce the anxiety caused by these thoughts. Although this disorder may last an excessive amount of time, various coping methods are surfacing as researchers continue to perform studies in hopes of finding causes and cures.