Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts that produce uneasiness and the performance of repetitive behaviors to relieve temporary anxiety. It is caused by abnormalities in the orbital cortex of the brain and genetics that can cause different reactions to events. Doctors diagnose OCD using patient reports of symptoms like fears of contamination or harming others, and treatments include medications, psychotherapy, and in severe cases, psychosurgery.

1. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder By: Shawnee Koons

2. Type of anxiety disorder Intrusive thoughts produce and uneasiness, worry, fear, or apprehension 4th most common mental disorder Performing repetitive behaviors provides temporary relief but not full relief to the anxiety Background

3. Abnormalities within the orbital cortex of the brain The nerve Seretonin can cause different reactions to events therefore causing the different reactions for people with OCD Level of brain dysfunction in people with OCD Genetics Causes

4. Fear of being contaminated Overly Tidy Thoughts that you’ve hurt someone Superstitious (not walking on the cracks in the sidewalk) Signs and Symptoms

5. Blood samples X-rays Doctors will use their knowledge and prior experiences with people to make the diagnosis Diagnosis

6. Tranquilizers Psychotherapy Psychosurgery Medical treatments Treatment Options

7. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd/index.shtml http://www.anxietycare.org.uk/docs/ocdcauses.asp http://www.epigee.org/mental_health/ocdtreatment.html Sources