Texas State - Student Health Center

What is obsessive compulsive disorder?
Obsessive compulsive disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by unwanted thoughts, termed "obsessions," and ritualistic behaviors and actions, or "compulsions." Compulsions are often performed in order to avoid the obsession, but the action only provides temporary relief. In addition, if a compulsion is not performed, a person with OCD often becomes more anxious. Almost everyone can identify with some of the symptoms of OCD; for example, you might check the stove several times before you leave the house. Such an action does not disrupt your daily routine, but for a person with OCD, performing that very same action can consume an hour or longer, causes them distress and interrupts their daily lives.

Is it common?
OCD afflicts approximately 2.2 million American adults and affects men and women in relatively equal numbers. The disorder often appears in childhood, adolescence or early adulthood. Research indicates that OCD might run in families. One-third of adults with OCD report having experienced their first symptoms as children. The course of the disease is variable; symptoms may fluctuate, they may lessen with time or they may grow progressively worse.

What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of OCD fall into the category of either an obsession or a compulsion.

An obsession is characterized by:

Recurrent and persistent thoughts, impulses or images that are experienced during a disturbance and seen as intrusive and inappropriate. These thoughts, impulses or images also cause heightened anxiety or distress.
The thoughts, impulses, or images are not simply excessive worries about real-life problems.
The person attempts to ignore or suppress such thoughts, impulses or images. They may also attempt to neutralize them with some other thought or action.
The person recognizes that the obsessional thoughts impulses, or images are a product of his or her own mind.

A compulsion is distinguished by:

Repetitive behaviors, such as hand washing, or mental acts, such as counting or repeating words silently, are performed in response to an obsession or in accordance to rules that must be strictly followed.
The behaviors or mental acts are meant to prevent or reduce distress or to prevent some dreaded event or situation; however, these behaviors or mental acts either are not connected in a realistic way with what they are designed to neutralize or are clearly excessive.

In general, the obsessions or compulsions cause marked distress, are time consuming or significantly interfere with the person's normal routine, including occupational and academic functioning, social activities and relationships.

Depression, anxiety disorders and eating disorders may accompany OCD. In addition, people with OCD often avoid situations where they might have to confront their obsessions or they may enter the situation and try to calm themselves with alcohol or drugs. If OCD continues to worsen, it can keep someone from keeping a steady job or from carrying out normal responsibilities at home.

When should I seek help?
If you recognize you are suffering from obsessive-compulsive behavior, speak with a medical provider. They can discuss treatment options and give you referrals.

How can I help a friend who has OCD?
OCD affects every one, not just the person with the disorder. If you have a friend who has OCD, the following suggestions may help.

Learn about the disorder.
Encourage your friend to seek help.
Recognize and praise small accomplishments.
Modify expectations during stressful periods.
Measure progress on the basis of individual improvement, not against some absolute standard.
Be flexible and try to maintain a normal routine.
It is also important for friends and family members to keep in mind that the recovery process is stressful for them too. They should build a support network of relatives and friends for themselves.
Remember that with proper treatment by a mental health professional anxiety disorders can be overcome.
Keep in mind that getting better takes hard work on the part of the sufferer and patience on the part of friends and family.

How is OCD diagnosed?
At the moment, no single blood test or brain scan will confirm that you have OCD. Instead, your medical provider will ask about your obsessions, compulsions and over-all emotion well-being. Your doctor may also talk to your friends, family members and employer. While progress is being made with brain imaging studies, the process and results are still being researched. These on-going studies point to OCD being neurobiologically based rather than only physiological or neurological.

How is it treated?
While the treatment of OCD varies with each person, several standard approaches are used. Doctors will employ behavioral therapies such as behavior therapy, cognitive therapy, cognitive-behavior therapy and relaxation techniques. Doctors often will prescribe anti-depressants or anxiolytics (anti-anxiety medications) in order to alleviate severe symptoms so that other forms of therapy can continue. Medication is effective for most people and will be used on a short-term or long-term basis, depending on the person.

Links you can use
Health Education Resource Center (512) 245-2309
Walk-ins and appointments are welcome to obtain confidential answers to health questions. Located in suite 201 of the Student Health Center at the corner of Sessom and Tomas Rivera Drive.

Student Health Center (512) 245-2167
Located at the corner of Sessom and Tomas Rivera Streets.
Confidential information and care is available by appointment with a physician or nurse. There are no fees for medical care at the Student Health Center. However, there may be fees incurred if laboratory tests, medications, specialist or emergency hospital care is needed.

Counseling Center (512) 245-2208
Located on the fifth floor of the LBJ Student Center.
Confidential counseling appointments are available for students. Services include crisis intervention, short-term psychotherapy and referrals. There are no fees for appointments.

National Institute of Mental Health
This site provides an overview of anxiety disorders with a small, comprehensive section concerning OCD.

Anxiety Disorders Association of America
This site offers information, resources for finding a therapist, self-tests and support for family and friends of people with OCD.

Obsessive Compulsive Foundation
This site offers resources for finding support groups in the OCD community, a database of OCD therapists, information about OCD, help in choosing a therapist and the opportunity to look at their most recent newsletter.

MentalHelp.net
At this site, you will find information regarding OCD, its symptoms and treatment.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
This site offers information about OCD, symptoms, medications, clinical trials and other resources.

Last Modified: September 7, 2006