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Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Introduction of OCD
Many people worry; have doubts or illogical beliefs which are completely normal in everyday life. When these beliefs become too excessive such as constantly repeating things or the brain becomes stuck in a cycle of thoughts and urges then one may suffer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). This medical condition or brain disorder is caused by problems in the information processing of the brain (Durand & Barlow, 2006). For many years OCD went untreated because of the lack of research or information in the field of psychology. Due to advances in modern medicine, science, research and cognitive behavior therapy, OCD can be treated successfully.
OCD manifest as the patient attempts to cope with the obsessions and compulsions. The obsessions start when a patient experiences repetitive thoughts, impulses or images. Thought the patient wants these ideas to stop reoccurring, they continue to pop up. Because OCD patients realize these thoughts are irrational they become extremely frustrated with their condition (Durand &Barlow, 2006).
General obsessions might consist of unnecessary or extreme anxiousness about germs, dirt, or infections. Some patients might report unwarranted feelings of guilt for things or events that have not essentially happened (Durand &Barlow, 2006). This might include an accident or catching a cold. These patients experience the normal levels of panic, shame, and guilt as their healthier counterparts but OCD sufferer’s thoughts and reactions are not based in reality. When the condition worsens and in most cases it does, the patient often becomes overly anxious about broken schedules or everyday habits (Durand &Barlow, 2006).
Patient with OCD perform compulsions in an attempt to reduce or eradicate these fears and obsessions. Many patients with OCD develop highly structured rules that have to be followed which sometimes cause them to become trapped in a loop (Durand &Barlow, 2006). This can be seen when these sufferers...