OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, OCD, is an anxiety disorder and is characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Repetitive behaviors such as hand-washing, counting, checking, or cleaning are often performed with the hope of preventing obsessive thoughts or making them go away. Performing these so-called "rituals," however, provides only temporary relief, and not performing them markedly increases anxiety.

People with OCD may be plagued by persistent, unwelcome thoughts or images, or by the urgent need to engage in certain rituals. They may be obsessed with germs or dirt, and wash their hands over and over. They may be filled with doubt and feel the need to check things repeatedly. More about Signs & Symptoms »

Effective treatments for obsessive-compulsive disorder are available, and research is yielding new, improved therapies that can help most people with OCD and other anxiety disorders lead productive, fulfilling lives.

Current treatment of OCD involves medication and different forms of therapy.

Surgical therapy for OCD includes cingulotomy, anterior capsulotomy and deep brain stimulation. Cingulotomy and anterior capsulotomy involve the creation of small lesions in 2 specific regions of the brain felt to be responsible for symptoms of OCD. These procedures have demonstrated success in improving symptoms in patients with OCD that has not responded to other conventional therapies. Deep brain stimulation is currently under study as a treatment for OCD. Good results have thus far been reported by patients that have undergone the procedure.