Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Essay

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a pressing condition that brings about a large amount of distress to an individual (Psych Hub). Obsessive-compulsive disorder consists of sequences of undesirable thoughts and fears. These thoughts and fears are known as obsessions, which in turn leads to the repetition of behaviors, known as compulsions (Mayo Clinic). Obsessive-compulsive disorder affects a staggering amount of people worldwide. Approximately 2.5 million adults across the United States are affected by OCD. The disorder is three times more likely to be present in women than it is in men (ADAA). Individuals living with OCD undergo obsessions, these are distinct thoughts that are acute and invasive (Psych Hub). Obsessions result in lack of focus and motivation in all aspects of an individual's everyday life. Although the basic ideas of OCD are the same, there are many different types of the disorder. Obsessions and compulsions vary from person to person,

Organization, is the most acknowledged form of OCD, this form entails obsessions about objects being in symmetrical or precise placement. Contamination OCD has two general ideas it is involved with. The first is that thoughts and words of everyday life can “contaminate” someone (St. Luke’s Health). The second being that people can disperse illnesses through physical contact and proximity. The next common form is that of intrusive thoughts. This category is defined as someone who is apprehensive of harming someone due to lack of control (Mind). Lastly, rumination is the fourth most common category of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Rumination is explained to be closely related to the intrusive thoughts category, however, there are a few crucial differences. The thoughts that are caught in the head of someone with rumination-based OCD are philosophical, religious, or metaphysical conundrums (Impulse