Dr. Jeff's and Dr. Tanya's Blog

How to Understand Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: View a Top-Rated Video from Youtube

Thirteen Great Books on OCD:

1. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder by Bruce M. Hyman and Cherry Pedrick (Hardcover - Aug 3, 2003)
2. Freeing Your Child from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Powerful, Practical Program for Parents of Children and Adolescents by Tamar E. Chansky (Paperback - Jul 10, 2001)
3. Freedom from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: A Personalized Recovery Program for Living with Uncertainty by Jonathan Grayson (Paperback - Sep 7, 2004)
4. Overcoming Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (Overcoming) by David Veale and Robert Willson (Paperback - Dec 22, 2008) Helping Your Child With Ocd: A Workbook for Parents of Children With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Lee, Ph.D. Fitzgibbons and Cherry Pedrick (Paperback - Oct 2003)
5. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders: A Complete Guide to Getting Well and Staying Well by Fred Penzel (Hardcover - Oct 19, 2000) Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Practical Tried-and-Tested Strategies to Overcome OCD (Class Health) (Class Health) by Frederick Toates and Olga Coschug-Toates (Paperback - Oct 2002)
6. Over and Over Again: Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (Paperback - Jul 29, 1997)
7. Why Does Everything Have to Be Perfect? Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (The Dell Guides for Mental Health) by Lynn Shackman, Shelagh Masline, and Roger Granet (Mass Market Paperback - Aug 10, 1999)
8. Helping Your Child With Ocd: A Workbook for Parents of Children With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Lee, Ph.D. Fitzgibbons and Cherry Pedrick (Paperback - Oct 2003) Overcoming Obsessive Thoughts: How to Gain Control of Your OCD by Christine, Ph.D. Purdon and David A. Clark (Paperback - Oct 2005)
9. The Sky Is Falling: Understanding and Coping With Phobias, Panic, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders by Raeann Dumont (Paperback - April 1997)
10. Overcoming Compulsive Hoarding: Why You Save & How You Can Stop (New Harbinger Self-Help Workbook) by Fugen Neziroglu, Jerome, Ph.D. Bubrick, Jose A. Yaryura-Tobias, and Patricia Perkins (Paperback - Jul 2004)
11. Rewind, Replay, Repeat: A Memoir of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Jeff Bell (Paperback - Feb 1, 2007)
12. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder by Naomi Fineberg, Donatella Marazziti, and Dan J. Stein (Paperback - Jan 15, 2001)
13. Funny, You Don't Look Crazy: Life With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Constance H. Foster (Paperback - Jan 1994)

Resource and Support Groups for OCD:

1. Obsessive Compulsive Foundation  
2. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Websites
3. Support4hope
4. Daily Strength Obsessive Compulsive Support Groups
5. LinkedWords OCD Support Groups
6. Medicare.com
7. SkokieNet  
8. Yahoo OCD Support Groups

Additional Resources:

• For related articles on obsessive compulsive disorder disorders on the Web, click on: “Sphere: Related Content” located at the bottom of this blog post.
• For related books or blog posts with related content in Dr. Jeff’s and Dr. Tanya’s Blog, go to “Psychiatric Disorders: OCD” or type in the keyword “obsessive compulsive disorder” into “Google Search” located in the sidebar.
• For more books with related content, click any hyperlinked keyword in the blog or type in the keyword, “obsessive compulsive disorder” into “Amazon Search” on the Amazon banner located in the side bar.

 

Sources: See also blogposts in: Psychiatric Disorders: OCD, Youtube

Dr. Jeffrey Speller

Dr. Tanya Korkosz

Psychopharmacology Associates of New England

www.psychopharmassociates.com

1. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder by Bruce M. Hyman and Cherry Pedrick (Hardcover - Aug 3, 2003)
2. Freeing Your Child from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Powerful, Practical Program for Parents of Children and Adolescents by Tamar E. Chansky (Paperback - Jul 10, 2001)
3. Freedom from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: A Personalized Recovery Program for Living with Uncertainty by Jonathan Grayson (Paperback - Sep 7, 2004)
4. Overcoming Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (Overcoming) by David Veale and Robert Willson (Paperback - Dec 22, 2008) Helping Your Child With Ocd: A Workbook for Parents of Children With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Lee, Ph.D. Fitzgibbons and Cherry Pedrick (Paperback - Oct 2003)
5. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders: A Complete Guide to Getting Well and Staying Well by Fred Penzel (Hardcover - Oct 19, 2000) Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Practical Tried-and-Tested Strategies to Overcome OCD (Class Health) (Class Health) by Frederick Toates and Olga Coschug-Toates (Paperback - Oct 2002)
6. Over and Over Again: Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (Paperback - Jul 29, 1997)
7. Why Does Everything Have to Be Perfect? Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (The Dell Guides for Mental Health) by Lynn Shackman, Shelagh Masline, and Roger Granet (Mass Market Paperback - Aug 10, 1999)
8. Helping Your Child With Ocd: A Workbook for Parents of Children With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Lee, Ph.D. Fitzgibbons and Cherry Pedrick (Paperback - Oct 2003) Overcoming Obsessive Thoughts: How to Gain Control of Your OCD by Christine, Ph.D. Purdon and David A. Clark (Paperback - Oct 2005)
9. The Sky Is Falling: Understanding and Coping With Phobias, Panic, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders by Raeann Dumont (Paperback - April 1997)
10. Overcoming Compulsive Hoarding: Why You Save & How You Can Stop (New Harbinger Self-Help Workbook) by Fugen Neziroglu, Jerome, Ph.D. Bubrick, Jose A. Yaryura-Tobias, and Patricia Perkins (Paperback - Jul 2004)
11. Rewind, Replay, Repeat: A Memoir of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Jeff Bell (Paperback - Feb 1, 2007)
12. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder by Naomi Fineberg, Donatella Marazziti, and Dan J. Stein (Paperback - Jan 15, 2001)
13. Funny, You Don't Look Crazy: Life With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Constance H. Foster (Paperback - Jan 1994)

Resource and Support Groups for OCD:

1. Obsessive Compulsive Foundation  
2. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Websites
3. Support4hope
4. Daily Strength Obsessive Compulsive Support Groups
5. LinkedWords OCD Support Groups
6. Medicare.com
7. SkokieNet  
8. Yahoo OCD Support Groups

Additional Resources:

• For related articles on obsessive compulsive disorder disorders on the Web, click on: “Sphere: Related Content” located at the bottom of this blog post.
• For related books or blog posts with related content in Dr. Jeff’s and Dr. Tanya’s Blog, go to “Psychiatric Disorders: OCD” or type in the keyword “obsessive compulsive disorder” into “Google Search” located in the sidebar.
• For more books with related content, click any hyperlinked keyword in the blog or type in the keyword, “obsessive compulsive disorder” into “Amazon Search” on the Amazon banner located in the side bar.

 

Sources: See also blogposts in: Psychiatric Disorders: OCD, Youtube

Dr. Jeffrey Speller

Dr. Tanya Korkosz

Psychopharmacology Associates of New England

www.psychopharmassociates.com

Best Resource Guide on Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a type of anxiety disorder. If you have OCD, you have repeated, upsetting thoughts called obsessions. You do the same thing over and over again to try to make the thoughts go away. Those repeated actions are called compulsions.

Examples of obsessions are a fear of germs or a fear of being hurt. Compulsions include washing your hands, counting, checking on things or cleaning. Untreated, OCD can take over your life.

Researchers think brain circuits may not work properly in people who have OCD. It tends to run in families. The symptoms often begin in children or teens. Treatments that combine medicines and therapy are often effective.

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: What It Is and How to Treat It(American Academy of Family Physicians) - http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/mentalhealth/anxiety/133.printerview.html
  Also available in Spanish http://familydoctor.org/online/famdoces/home/common/mentalhealth/anxiety/133.printerview.html
• When Unwanted Thoughts Take Over: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder(National Institute of Mental Health) - http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/when-unwanted-thoughts-take-over-obsessive-compulsive-disorder/complete-publication.shtml
  Also available in Spanish http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/spanish/trastorno-de-comportamiento-obsesivo-compulsivo-una-enfermedad-real.pdf

Overviews

• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)(Mental Health America) - http://www.nmha.org/go/information/get-info/anxiety-disorders/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/DS00189/DSECTION=all&METHOD=print
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)(National Institute of Mental Health) - http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd/index.shtml
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Handbook(Anxiety Disorders Association of America) - Links to PDF - http://www.adaa.org/treatOCD/pdf/patient%20handbook.pdf

Diagnosis/Symptoms

• OCD Self-Test(Anxiety Disorders Association of America) - http://www.adaa.org/treatOCD/help_OCDselftest.html

Treatment

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy(NAMI) - http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=About_Treatments_and_Supports&template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=7952
• Medications(National Institute of Mental Health) - http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/medications/complete-publication.shtml
• OCD Treatment Options(Anxiety Disorders Association of America) - http://www.adaa.org/treatOCD/help_OCDtreatment.html

Coping

• Anxiety Disorders Information: Helping a Family Member(Anxiety Disorders Association of America) - http://www.adaa.org/GettingHelp/HelpAFamilyMember.asp

Specific Conditions

• Hoarding(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/hoarding/DS00966/METHOD=print&DSECTION=all

Related Issues

• Conversation Starter: Talking about OCD(Anxiety Disorders Association of America) - http://www.adaa.org/treatOCD/help_OCDconvstarter.html
• How Do I know If My Therapist Can Treat Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?(Obsessive-Compulsive Foundation) - Links to PDF - http://www.ocfoundation.org/UserFiles/File/How-to-Choose-a-Therapist.pdf
• OCD: Related Disorders(Obsessive-Compulsive Foundation) - http://www.ocfoundation.org/related-disorders.html

Videos

• Impact of OCD on Personal Relationships(Anxiety Disorders Association of America) - http://www.adaa.org/treatOCD/Impact_OCD.html
• Treatment Options(Anxiety Disorders Association of America) - http://www.adaa.org/treatOCD/Treatment_Options.html
• Understanding OCD(Anxiety Disorders Association of America) - http://www.adaa.org/treatOCD/Understanding_OCD.html

Clinical Trials

• ClinicalTrials.gov: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder(National Institutes of Health) - http://clinicaltrials.gov/search/open/condition=%22Obsessive-Compulsive+Disorder%22

Research

• How Strep Triggers Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - New Clues(National Institute of Mental Health) - http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2006/how-strep-triggers-obsessive-compulsive-disorder-new-clues.shtml
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder(National Institutes of Health) - Links to PDF - http://www.nih.gov/about/researchresultsforthepublic/OCD.pdf

Journal Articles

References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)

• Article: A meta-analysis examining the relations among pathological gambling, obsessive-compulsive disorder,... - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=19102474&tool=MedlinePlus
• Article: Subthalamic nucleus stimulation in severe obsessive-compulsive disorder. - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=19005196&tool=MedlinePlus
• Article: World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) guidelines for... - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=18949648&tool=MedlinePlus
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder -- see more articles - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=search&db=pubmed&term=obsessive+compulsive+disorder[majr]+AND+english[la]+AND+humans[mh]+AND+(jsubsetk[text]+OR+review[pt]+OR+guideline[pt]+OR+clinical+trial[pt]+OR+patient+education+handout[pt]+OR+jsubsetaim[text]+OR+jsubsetn[text]+OR+systematic[sb])+NOT+(letter[pt]+OR+editorial[pt]+OR+case+reports[pt])&doptcmdl=summary&cmd_current=Limits&pmfilter_EDatLimit=last+1+Year&tool=MedlinePlus

Dictionaries/Glossaries

• ADAA - Glossary(Anxiety Disorders Association of America) - http://www.adaa.org/gettinghelp/glossary.asp

Directories

• Mental Health Services Locator(Center for Mental Health Services) - http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/databases/

Organizations

• American Psychiatric Association - http://www.psych.org/
• Anxiety Disorders Association of America - http://www.adaa.org/
• National Institute of Mental Health - http://www.nimh.nih.gov/

Statistics

• Numbers Count: Mental Disorders in America(National Institute of Mental Health) - http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/the-numbers-count-mental-disorders-in-america.shtml

Children

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder(Nemours Foundation) - http://kidshealth.org/kid/feeling/emotion/ocd.html
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder(Nemours Foundation) - http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/behavior/OCD.html
• OCD Medication: Children(Obsessive-Compulsive Foundation) - http://www.ocfoundation.org/ocd-medication-children.html

Teenagers

• Going to College with OCD(Obsessive-Compulsive Foundation) - http://www.ocfoundation.org/organizedchaos/articles/Organized-Chaos-V006/Organized-Chaos-V006_02.php
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder(Nemours Foundation) - http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/mental_health/ocd.html

You may also be interested in these MedlinePlus related pages:

• Anxiety - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/anxiety.html
• Mental Health and Behavior - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/mentalhealthandbehavior.html

Source: National Institute of Mental Health

Dr. Jeffrey Speller

Dr. Tanya Korkosz

Psychopharmacology Associates of New England

www.psychopharmassociates.com

Does Brain Stimulation Help in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?

Mental health professionals have long debated the proper treatment approach to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). An article published online in Modern Medicine (11/12/08) examines this issue.The article reports on a study recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The researchers studied eight patients with severe OCD. They treated “eight patients with severe, refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder with active stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus followed by sham stimulation. An additional eight patients were given the same treatments in reverse.” And the results? “The researchers found that three months of active stimulation was associated with significant improvement in the severity of obsessive-compulsive disorder…Function also significantly improved.” The researchers concluded that, "these preliminary findings suggest that stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus may reduce the symptoms of severe forms of obsessive-compulsive disorder but is associated with a substantial risk of serious adverse events.” The results of this study suggest that deep brain stimulation may help in severe OCD, although the results of this study need to be viewed with caution given the high risk of adverse events, and the fact that “several of the study authors have a financial relationship with Medtronic [the company that sells the brain stimulators].”

The Bottom Line: The results of this study suggest that deep brain stimulation may help in severe OCD, however there is a high risk of adverse events. 

Reference: Article

Thirteen Great Books on OCD:

1. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder by Bruce M. Hyman and Cherry Pedrick (Hardcover - Aug 3, 2003)
2. Freeing Your Child from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Powerful, Practical Program for Parents of Children and Adolescents by Tamar E. Chansky (Paperback - Jul 10, 2001)
3. Freedom from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: A Personalized Recovery Program for Living with Uncertainty by Jonathan Grayson (Paperback - Sep 7, 2004)
4. Overcoming Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (Overcoming) by David Veale and Robert Willson (Paperback - Dec 22, 2008) Helping Your Child With Ocd: A Workbook for Parents of Children With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Lee, Ph.D. Fitzgibbons and Cherry Pedrick (Paperback - Oct 2003)
5. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders: A Complete Guide to Getting Well and Staying Well by Fred Penzel (Hardcover - Oct 19, 2000) Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Practical Tried-and-Tested Strategies to Overcome OCD (Class Health) (Class Health) by Frederick Toates and Olga Coschug-Toates (Paperback - Oct 2002)
6. Over and Over Again: Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (Paperback - Jul 29, 1997)
7. Why Does Everything Have to Be Perfect? Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (The Dell Guides for Mental Health) by Lynn Shackman, Shelagh Masline, and Roger Granet (Mass Market Paperback - Aug 10, 1999)
8. Helping Your Child With Ocd: A Workbook for Parents of Children With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Lee, Ph.D. Fitzgibbons and Cherry Pedrick (Paperback - Oct 2003) Overcoming Obsessive Thoughts: How to Gain Control of Your OCD by Christine, Ph.D. Purdon and David A. Clark (Paperback - Oct 2005)
9. The Sky Is Falling: Understanding and Coping With Phobias, Panic, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders by Raeann Dumont (Paperback - April 1997)
10. Overcoming Compulsive Hoarding: Why You Save & How You Can Stop (New Harbinger Self-Help Workbook) by Fugen Neziroglu, Jerome, Ph.D. Bubrick, Jose A. Yaryura-Tobias, and Patricia Perkins (Paperback - Jul 2004)
11. Rewind, Replay, Repeat: A Memoir of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Jeff Bell (Paperback - Feb 1, 2007)
12. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder by Naomi Fineberg, Donatella Marazziti, and Dan J. Stein (Paperback - Jan 15, 2001)
13. Funny, You Don't Look Crazy: Life With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Constance H. Foster (Paperback - Jan 1994)

Resource and Support Groups for OCD:

1. Obsessive Compulsive Foundation  
2. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Websites
3. Support4hope
4. Daily Strength Obsessive Compulsive Support Groups
5. LinkedWords OCD Support Groups
6. Medicare.com
7. SkokieNet  
8. Yahoo OCD Support Groups

Additional Resources:

• For related articles on obsessive compulsive disorder disorders on the Web, click on: “Sphere: Related Content” located at the bottom of this blog post.
• For related books or blog posts with related content in Dr. Jeff’s and Dr. Tanya’s Blog, go to “Psychiatric Disorders: OCD” or type in the keyword “obsessive compulsive disorder” into “Google Search” located in the sidebar.
• For more books with related content, click any hyperlinked keyword in the blog or type in the keyword, “obsessive compulsive disorder” into “Amazon Search” on the Amazon banner located in the side bar.

 

Sources: See also blogposts in: Psychiatric Disorders: OCD

Dr. Jeffrey Speller

Dr. Tanya Korkosz

Psychopharmacology Associates of New England

www.psychopharmassociates.com

Email this • Sphere: Related Content • Technorati Links • View CC license • Subscribe to this feed • Save to del.icio.us • Share on Facebook • Stumble It! • Add to Mixx! • Discuss on Newsvine • Digg This! • outside.in: geotag this story

1. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder by Bruce M. Hyman and Cherry Pedrick (Hardcover - Aug 3, 2003)
2. Freeing Your Child from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Powerful, Practical Program for Parents of Children and Adolescents by Tamar E. Chansky (Paperback - Jul 10, 2001)
3. Freedom from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: A Personalized Recovery Program for Living with Uncertainty by Jonathan Grayson (Paperback - Sep 7, 2004)
4. Overcoming Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (Overcoming) by David Veale and Robert Willson (Paperback - Dec 22, 2008) Helping Your Child With Ocd: A Workbook for Parents of Children With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Lee, Ph.D. Fitzgibbons and Cherry Pedrick (Paperback - Oct 2003)
5. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders: A Complete Guide to Getting Well and Staying Well by Fred Penzel (Hardcover - Oct 19, 2000) Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Practical Tried-and-Tested Strategies to Overcome OCD (Class Health) (Class Health) by Frederick Toates and Olga Coschug-Toates (Paperback - Oct 2002)
6. Over and Over Again: Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (Paperback - Jul 29, 1997)
7. Why Does Everything Have to Be Perfect? Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (The Dell Guides for Mental Health) by Lynn Shackman, Shelagh Masline, and Roger Granet (Mass Market Paperback - Aug 10, 1999)
8. Helping Your Child With Ocd: A Workbook for Parents of Children With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Lee, Ph.D. Fitzgibbons and Cherry Pedrick (Paperback - Oct 2003) Overcoming Obsessive Thoughts: How to Gain Control of Your OCD by Christine, Ph.D. Purdon and David A. Clark (Paperback - Oct 2005)
9. The Sky Is Falling: Understanding and Coping With Phobias, Panic, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders by Raeann Dumont (Paperback - April 1997)
10. Overcoming Compulsive Hoarding: Why You Save & How You Can Stop (New Harbinger Self-Help Workbook) by Fugen Neziroglu, Jerome, Ph.D. Bubrick, Jose A. Yaryura-Tobias, and Patricia Perkins (Paperback - Jul 2004)
11. Rewind, Replay, Repeat: A Memoir of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Jeff Bell (Paperback - Feb 1, 2007)
12. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder by Naomi Fineberg, Donatella Marazziti, and Dan J. Stein (Paperback - Jan 15, 2001)
13. Funny, You Don't Look Crazy: Life With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Constance H. Foster (Paperback - Jan 1994)

Resource and Support Groups for OCD:

1. Obsessive Compulsive Foundation  
2. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Websites
3. Support4hope
4. Daily Strength Obsessive Compulsive Support Groups
5. LinkedWords OCD Support Groups
6. Medicare.com
7. SkokieNet  
8. Yahoo OCD Support Groups

Additional Resources:

• For related articles on obsessive compulsive disorder disorders on the Web, click on: “Sphere: Related Content” located at the bottom of this blog post.
• For related books or blog posts with related content in Dr. Jeff’s and Dr. Tanya’s Blog, go to “Psychiatric Disorders: OCD” or type in the keyword “obsessive compulsive disorder” into “Google Search” located in the sidebar.
• For more books with related content, click any hyperlinked keyword in the blog or type in the keyword, “obsessive compulsive disorder” into “Amazon Search” on the Amazon banner located in the side bar.

 

Sources: See also blogposts in: Psychiatric Disorders: OCD

Dr. Jeffrey Speller

Dr. Tanya Korkosz

Psychopharmacology Associates of New England

www.psychopharmassociates.com

Can even young children develop obsessive compulsive disorder?

Mental health have long debated whether and when can young children develop Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. An article in the Oct. 1, 2008 edition of Medical News Today titled, “Study finds young children can develop full blown OCD,” examines this issue. The article reports on a study recently published recently online in the Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessmen. The researchers studied “58 children with OCD between the ages of four and eight, including 23 boys and 35 girls.” The results were sobering. “Approximately 19 percent had been previously treated with medication and 24 percent had received some form of previous psychotherapy for OCD. Twenty percent reported a first-degree family history of OCD. Nearly 22 percent of children had an additional diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and about 20 percent were also diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)…Common obsessions among children in the study included fear of contamination and aggressive/catastrophic fears (involving death or harm to themselves or loved ones), and three-quarters reported having multiple obsessions..and compulsive behaviors.” The results of this study strongly support the conclusion that even young children can have full blown OCD.

The Bottom Line: The results of this study strongly support the conclusion that even young children can have full blown OCD.      

Reference: Article

Thirteen Great Books on OCD:

1. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder by Bruce M. Hyman and Cherry Pedrick (Hardcover - Aug 3, 2003)
2. Freeing Your Child from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Powerful, Practical Program for Parents of Children and Adolescents by Tamar E. Chansky (Paperback - Jul 10, 2001)
3. Freedom from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: A Personalized Recovery Program for Living with Uncertainty by Jonathan Grayson (Paperback - Sep 7, 2004)
4. Overcoming Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (Overcoming) by David Veale and Robert Willson (Paperback - Dec 22, 2008) Helping Your Child With Ocd: A Workbook for Parents of Children With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Lee, Ph.D. Fitzgibbons and Cherry Pedrick (Paperback - Oct 2003)
5. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders: A Complete Guide to Getting Well and Staying Well by Fred Penzel (Hardcover - Oct 19, 2000) Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Practical Tried-and-Tested Strategies to Overcome OCD (Class Health) (Class Health) by Frederick Toates and Olga Coschug-Toates (Paperback - Oct 2002)
6. Over and Over Again: Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (Paperback - Jul 29, 1997)
7. Why Does Everything Have to Be Perfect? Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (The Dell Guides for Mental Health) by Lynn Shackman, Shelagh Masline, and Roger Granet (Mass Market Paperback - Aug 10, 1999)
8. Helping Your Child With Ocd: A Workbook for Parents of Children With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Lee, Ph.D. Fitzgibbons and Cherry Pedrick (Paperback - Oct 2003) Overcoming Obsessive Thoughts: How to Gain Control of Your OCD by Christine, Ph.D. Purdon and David A. Clark (Paperback - Oct 2005)
9. The Sky Is Falling: Understanding and Coping With Phobias, Panic, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders by Raeann Dumont (Paperback - April 1997)
10. Overcoming Compulsive Hoarding: Why You Save & How You Can Stop (New Harbinger Self-Help Workbook) by Fugen Neziroglu, Jerome, Ph.D. Bubrick, Jose A. Yaryura-Tobias, and Patricia Perkins (Paperback - Jul 2004)
11. Rewind, Replay, Repeat: A Memoir of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Jeff Bell (Paperback - Feb 1, 2007)
12. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder by Naomi Fineberg, Donatella Marazziti, and Dan J. Stein (Paperback - Jan 15, 2001)
13. Funny, You Don't Look Crazy: Life With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Constance H. Foster (Paperback - Jan 1994)

Resource and Support Groups for OCD:

1. Obsessive Compulsive Foundation  
2. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Websites
3. Support4hope
4. Daily Strength Obsessive Compulsive Support Groups
5. LinkedWords OCD Support Groups
6. Medicare.com
7. SkokieNet  
8. Yahoo OCD Support Groups

Additional Resources:

• For related articles on obsessive compulsive disorder disorders on the Web, click on: “Sphere: Related Content” located at the bottom of this blog post.
• For related books or blog posts with related content in Dr. Jeff’s and Dr. Tanya’s Blog, go to “Psychiatric Disorders: OCD” or type in the keyword “obsessive compulsive disorder” into “Google Search” located in the sidebar.
• For more books with related content, click any hyperlinked keyword in the blog or type in the keyword, “obsessive compulsive disorder” into “Amazon Search” on the Amazon banner located in the side bar.

 

Sources: National Insittute of Mental Health, See also blogposts in: Psychiatric Disorders: OCD

Dr. Jeffrey Speller

Dr. Tanya Korkosz

Psychopharmacology Associates of New England

www.psychopharmassociates.com

Email this • Sphere: Related Content • Technorati Links • View CC license • Subscribe to this feed • Save to del.icio.us • Share on Facebook • Stumble It! • Add to Mixx! • Discuss on Newsvine • Digg This! • outside.in: geotag this story

1. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder by Bruce M. Hyman and Cherry Pedrick (Hardcover - Aug 3, 2003)
2. Freeing Your Child from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Powerful, Practical Program for Parents of Children and Adolescents by Tamar E. Chansky (Paperback - Jul 10, 2001)
3. Freedom from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: A Personalized Recovery Program for Living with Uncertainty by Jonathan Grayson (Paperback - Sep 7, 2004)
4. Overcoming Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (Overcoming) by David Veale and Robert Willson (Paperback - Dec 22, 2008) Helping Your Child With Ocd: A Workbook for Parents of Children With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Lee, Ph.D. Fitzgibbons and Cherry Pedrick (Paperback - Oct 2003)
5. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders: A Complete Guide to Getting Well and Staying Well by Fred Penzel (Hardcover - Oct 19, 2000) Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Practical Tried-and-Tested Strategies to Overcome OCD (Class Health) (Class Health) by Frederick Toates and Olga Coschug-Toates (Paperback - Oct 2002)
6. Over and Over Again: Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (Paperback - Jul 29, 1997)
7. Why Does Everything Have to Be Perfect? Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (The Dell Guides for Mental Health) by Lynn Shackman, Shelagh Masline, and Roger Granet (Mass Market Paperback - Aug 10, 1999)
8. Helping Your Child With Ocd: A Workbook for Parents of Children With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Lee, Ph.D. Fitzgibbons and Cherry Pedrick (Paperback - Oct 2003) Overcoming Obsessive Thoughts: How to Gain Control of Your OCD by Christine, Ph.D. Purdon and David A. Clark (Paperback - Oct 2005)
9. The Sky Is Falling: Understanding and Coping With Phobias, Panic, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders by Raeann Dumont (Paperback - April 1997)
10. Overcoming Compulsive Hoarding: Why You Save & How You Can Stop (New Harbinger Self-Help Workbook) by Fugen Neziroglu, Jerome, Ph.D. Bubrick, Jose A. Yaryura-Tobias, and Patricia Perkins (Paperback - Jul 2004)
11. Rewind, Replay, Repeat: A Memoir of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Jeff Bell (Paperback - Feb 1, 2007)
12. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder by Naomi Fineberg, Donatella Marazziti, and Dan J. Stein (Paperback - Jan 15, 2001)
13. Funny, You Don't Look Crazy: Life With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Constance H. Foster (Paperback - Jan 1994)

Resource and Support Groups for OCD:

1. Obsessive Compulsive Foundation  
2. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Websites
3. Support4hope
4. Daily Strength Obsessive Compulsive Support Groups
5. LinkedWords OCD Support Groups
6. Medicare.com
7. SkokieNet  
8. Yahoo OCD Support Groups

Additional Resources:

• For related articles on obsessive compulsive disorder disorders on the Web, click on: “Sphere: Related Content” located at the bottom of this blog post.
• For related books or blog posts with related content in Dr. Jeff’s and Dr. Tanya’s Blog, go to “Psychiatric Disorders: OCD” or type in the keyword “obsessive compulsive disorder” into “Google Search” located in the sidebar.
• For more books with related content, click any hyperlinked keyword in the blog or type in the keyword, “obsessive compulsive disorder” into “Amazon Search” on the Amazon banner located in the side bar.

 

Sources: National Insittute of Mental Health, See also blogposts in: Psychiatric Disorders: OCD

Dr. Jeffrey Speller

Dr. Tanya Korkosz

Psychopharmacology Associates of New England

www.psychopharmassociates.com

The Patient Guide to the Eleven Common Signs and Symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

1. persistent, upsetting thoughts (obsessions)
2. rituals (compulsions)
3. obsessed with germs or dirt
4. compulsion to wash their hands over and over again
5. lock and relock their doors
6. repeatedly check things, touch things, and count things
7. frequent thoughts of violence and harming loved ones
8. having thoughts that are prohibited by religious beliefs
9. preoccupied with order and symmetry
10. have difficulty throwing things out
11. recognize that what they are doing is senseless

Thirteen Great Books on OCD:

1. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder by Bruce M. Hyman and Cherry Pedrick (Hardcover - Aug 3, 2003)
2. Freeing Your Child from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Powerful, Practical Program for Parents of Children and Adolescents by Tamar E. Chansky (Paperback - Jul 10, 2001)
3. Freedom from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: A Personalized Recovery Program for Living with Uncertainty by Jonathan Grayson (Paperback - Sep 7, 2004)
4. Overcoming Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (Overcoming) by David Veale and Robert Willson (Paperback - Dec 22, 2008) Helping Your Child With Ocd: A Workbook for Parents of Children With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Lee, Ph.D. Fitzgibbons and Cherry Pedrick (Paperback - Oct 2003)
5. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders: A Complete Guide to Getting Well and Staying Well by Fred Penzel (Hardcover - Oct 19, 2000) Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Practical Tried-and-Tested Strategies to Overcome OCD (Class Health) (Class Health) by Frederick Toates and Olga Coschug-Toates (Paperback - Oct 2002)
6. Over and Over Again: Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (Paperback - Jul 29, 1997)
7. Why Does Everything Have to Be Perfect? Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (The Dell Guides for Mental Health) by Lynn Shackman, Shelagh Masline, and Roger Granet (Mass Market Paperback - Aug 10, 1999)
8. Helping Your Child With Ocd: A Workbook for Parents of Children With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Lee, Ph.D. Fitzgibbons and Cherry Pedrick (Paperback - Oct 2003) Overcoming Obsessive Thoughts: How to Gain Control of Your OCD by Christine, Ph.D. Purdon and David A. Clark (Paperback - Oct 2005)
9. The Sky Is Falling: Understanding and Coping With Phobias, Panic, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders by Raeann Dumont (Paperback - April 1997)
10. Overcoming Compulsive Hoarding: Why You Save & How You Can Stop (New Harbinger Self-Help Workbook) by Fugen Neziroglu, Jerome, Ph.D. Bubrick, Jose A. Yaryura-Tobias, and Patricia Perkins (Paperback - Jul 2004)
11. Rewind, Replay, Repeat: A Memoir of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Jeff Bell (Paperback - Feb 1, 2007)
12. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder by Naomi Fineberg, Donatella Marazziti, and Dan J. Stein (Paperback - Jan 15, 2001)
13. Funny, You Don't Look Crazy: Life With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Constance H. Foster (Paperback - Jan 1994)

Resource and Support Groups for OCD:

1. Obsessive Compulsive Foundation  
2. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Websites
3. Support4hope
4. Daily Strength Obsessive Compulsive Support Groups
5. LinkedWords OCD Support Groups
6. Medicare.com
7. SkokieNet  
8. Yahoo OCD Support Groups

Additional Resources:

• For related articles on obsessive compulsive disorder disorders on the Web, click on: “Sphere: Related Content” located at the bottom of this blog post.
• For related books or blog posts with related content in Dr. Jeff’s and Dr. Tanya’s Blog, go to “Psychiatric Disorders: OCD” or type in the keyword “obsessive compulsive disorder” into “Google Search” located in the sidebar.
• For more books with related content, click any hyperlinked keyword in the blog or type in the keyword, “obsessive compulsive disorder” into “Amazon Search” on the Amazon banner located in the side bar.

 

Sources: National Insittute of Mental Health, See also blogposts in: Psychiatric Disorders: OCD

Dr. Jeffrey Speller

Dr. Tanya Korkosz

Psychopharmacology Associates of New England

www.psychopharmassociates.com

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1. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder by Bruce M. Hyman and Cherry Pedrick (Hardcover - Aug 3, 2003)
2. Freeing Your Child from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Powerful, Practical Program for Parents of Children and Adolescents by Tamar E. Chansky (Paperback - Jul 10, 2001)
3. Freedom from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: A Personalized Recovery Program for Living with Uncertainty by Jonathan Grayson (Paperback - Sep 7, 2004)
4. Overcoming Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (Overcoming) by David Veale and Robert Willson (Paperback - Dec 22, 2008) Helping Your Child With Ocd: A Workbook for Parents of Children With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Lee, Ph.D. Fitzgibbons and Cherry Pedrick (Paperback - Oct 2003)
5. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders: A Complete Guide to Getting Well and Staying Well by Fred Penzel (Hardcover - Oct 19, 2000) Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Practical Tried-and-Tested Strategies to Overcome OCD (Class Health) (Class Health) by Frederick Toates and Olga Coschug-Toates (Paperback - Oct 2002)
6. Over and Over Again: Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (Paperback - Jul 29, 1997)
7. Why Does Everything Have to Be Perfect? Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (The Dell Guides for Mental Health) by Lynn Shackman, Shelagh Masline, and Roger Granet (Mass Market Paperback - Aug 10, 1999)
8. Helping Your Child With Ocd: A Workbook for Parents of Children With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Lee, Ph.D. Fitzgibbons and Cherry Pedrick (Paperback - Oct 2003) Overcoming Obsessive Thoughts: How to Gain Control of Your OCD by Christine, Ph.D. Purdon and David A. Clark (Paperback - Oct 2005)
9. The Sky Is Falling: Understanding and Coping With Phobias, Panic, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders by Raeann Dumont (Paperback - April 1997)
10. Overcoming Compulsive Hoarding: Why You Save & How You Can Stop (New Harbinger Self-Help Workbook) by Fugen Neziroglu, Jerome, Ph.D. Bubrick, Jose A. Yaryura-Tobias, and Patricia Perkins (Paperback - Jul 2004)
11. Rewind, Replay, Repeat: A Memoir of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Jeff Bell (Paperback - Feb 1, 2007)
12. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder by Naomi Fineberg, Donatella Marazziti, and Dan J. Stein (Paperback - Jan 15, 2001)
13. Funny, You Don't Look Crazy: Life With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Constance H. Foster (Paperback - Jan 1994)

Resource and Support Groups for OCD:

1. Obsessive Compulsive Foundation  
2. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Websites
3. Support4hope
4. Daily Strength Obsessive Compulsive Support Groups
5. LinkedWords OCD Support Groups
6. Medicare.com
7. SkokieNet  
8. Yahoo OCD Support Groups

Additional Resources:

• For related articles on obsessive compulsive disorder disorders on the Web, click on: “Sphere: Related Content” located at the bottom of this blog post.
• For related books or blog posts with related content in Dr. Jeff’s and Dr. Tanya’s Blog, go to “Psychiatric Disorders: OCD” or type in the keyword “obsessive compulsive disorder” into “Google Search” located in the sidebar.
• For more books with related content, click any hyperlinked keyword in the blog or type in the keyword, “obsessive compulsive disorder” into “Amazon Search” on the Amazon banner located in the side bar.

 

Sources: National Insittute of Mental Health, See also blogposts in: Psychiatric Disorders: OCD

Dr. Jeffrey Speller

Dr. Tanya Korkosz

Psychopharmacology Associates of New England

www.psychopharmassociates.com

Patient introduction to obsessive compulsive disorder

People with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have persistent, upsetting thoughts (obsessions) and use rituals (compulsions) to control the anxiety these thoughts produce. Most of the time, the rituals end up controlling them.

For example, if people are obsessed with germs or dirt, they may develop a compulsion to wash their hands over and over again. If they develop an obsession with intruders, they may lock and relock their doors many times before going to bed. Being afraid of social embarrassment may prompt people with OCD to comb their hair compulsively in front of a mirror-sometimes they get “caught” in the mirror and can’t move away from it. Performing such rituals is not pleasurable. At best, it produces temporary relief from the anxiety created by obsessive thoughts.

Other common rituals are a need to repeatedly check things, touch things (especially in a particular sequence), or count things. Some common obsessions include having frequent thoughts of violence and harming loved ones, persistently thinking about performing sexual acts the person dislikes, or having thoughts that are prohibited by religious beliefs. People with OCD may also be preoccupied with order and symmetry, have difficulty throwing things out (so they accumulate), or hoard unneeded items.

Healthy people also have rituals, such as checking to see if the stove is off several times before leaving the house. The difference is that people with OCD perform their rituals even though doing so interferes with daily life and they find the repetition distressing. Although most adults with OCD recognize that what they are doing is senseless, some adults and most children may not realize that their behavior is out of the ordinary.

OCD affects about 2.2 million American adults,¹ and the problem can be accompanied by eating disorders,⁶ other anxiety disorders, or depression.^2,4 It strikes men and women in roughly equal numbers and usually appears in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood.² One-third of adults with OCD develop symptoms as children, and research indicates that OCD might run in families.³

The course of the disease is quite varied. Symptoms may come and go, ease over time, or get worse. If OCD becomes severe, it can keep a person from working or carrying out normal responsibilities at home. People with OCD may try to help themselves by avoiding situations that trigger their obsessions, or they may use alcohol or drugs to calm themselves.^4,5

OCD usually responds well to treatment with certain medications and/or exposure-based psychotherapy, in which people face situations that cause fear or anxiety and become less sensitive (desensitized) to them. NIMH is supporting research into new treatment approaches for people whose OCD does not respond well to the usual therapies. These approaches include combination and augmentation (add-on) treatments, as well as modern techniques such as deep brain stimulation.

Fourteen Great Books on Anxiety Disorders:

1. What to Do When You Worry Too Much: A Kid's Guide to Overcoming Anxiety (What to Do Guides for Kids) by Dawn Huebner and Bonnie Matthews (Paperback - Sep 2005)
2. Overcoming Generalized Anxiety Disorder - Client Manual: A Relaxation, Cognitive Restructuring, and Exposure-Based Protocol for the Treatment of GAD (Best Practices for Therapy) by John White (Paperback - Jan 1, 1999)
3. Overcoming Anxiety for Dummies (Paperback) by Laura L. Smith (Author), Charles H. Elliott (Author)
4. The Anxiety & Phobia Workbook, Fourth Edition (Paperback) by Edmund J. Bourne
5. Overcoming Anxiety: From Short-Time Fixes to Long-Term Recovery (Paperback) by Reneau Peuifov Overcoming Social Anxiety and Shyness Self-help Course (Overcoming) by Gillian Butler (Paperback - Aug 30, 2007)
6. Free Yourself from Fears: Overcoming Anxiety and Living Without Worry by Joseph O'Connor (Paperback - Sep 25, 2005)
7. Overcoming Panic, Anxiety, & Phobias: New Strategies to Free Yourself from Worry and Fear by Carol Goldman and Shirley Babior (Paperback - Jan 1996)
8. If Your Adolescent Has an Anxiety Disorder: An Essential Resource for Parents (Adolescent Mental Health Initiative) by Edna B. Foa and Linda Wasmer Andrews (Paperback - April 1, 2006)
9. Overcoming Anxiety: A Self Help Guide Using Cognitive Behavioral Techniques (Overcoming) by Helen Kennerley (Paperback - Feb 1, 1997)
10. Panic and Anxiety Disorder: 121 Tips, Real-life Advice, Resources & More, Second Edition by Linda Manassee Buell and Brenda K., Ph.D. Wiederhold (Paperback - May 1, 2003)
11. Living Fully with Shyness and Social Anxiety: A Comprehensive Guide to Gaining Social Confidence by Erika B. Hilliard (Paperback - April 11, 2005)
12. Your Life is Waiting: The Average Joe's Guide to Overcoming Panic Attacks and Anxiety by Rafe R. Martin (Kindle Edition - Nov 6, 2007) - Kindle Book
13. Overcoming Social Anxiety and Shyness: A Self-Help Guide Using Cognitive Behavioral Techniques (Overcoming) by Gillian Butler (Paperback - May 12, 2008)
14. Overcoming Anxiety: Panic Attacks and Anxiety Disorders (Health Body, Healthy Soul Series) by David Hazard (Paperback - Sep 2003)

Thirteen Resource and Support Groups for Anxiety Disorders:

1. Anxiety Friends 
2. Anxiety Zone 
3. Yahoo Anxiety Support Groups
4. BP Panic  
5. MDJunction
6. Center for Emotional Wellbeing  
7. Social Anxiety Anonymous 
8. The Anxiety Community 
9. Yahoo Panic Support Groups
10. Anxiety Disorders Association of America
11. Anxiety Connection.com
12. Google Anxiety Support Groups
13. Social Anxiety Support

Additional Resources:

• For related articles on anxiety disorders on the Web, click on: “Sphere: Related Content” located at the bottom of this blog post.
• For related books or blog posts with related content in Dr. Jeff’s and Dr. Tanya’s Blog, go to  “Psychiatric Disorders: Anxiety” or type in the keyword “anxiety disorders” into “Google Search” located in the sidebar.
• For related articles from  Psychology Today, click on the “Psychology Today” banner in the side bar and type in the keyword, “anxiety disorders” into the Psychology Today “Search”.
• For more books with related content, click any hyperlinked keyword in the blog or type in the keyword, “anxiety disorders” into “Amazon Search” on the Amazon banner located in the side bar.

Sources: National Institute of Mental Health, Also see blogposts in: Psychiatric Disorders: Anxiety Disorders

Dr. Jeffrey Speller

Dr. Tanya Korkosz

Psychopharmacology Associates of New England

www.psychopharmassociates.com

The factsheet on obsessive compulsive disorder

What is 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 handwashing, 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. More about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder »

Signs & Symptoms

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 »

Treatment

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. More about Treatment »

Getting Help: Locate Services

Locate mental health services in your area, affordable healthcare, NIMH clinical trials, and listings of professionals and organizations. More about Locating Services »

Related Information

• Information about medications
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Information and Organizations from NLM's MedlinePlus (en Español)
• Some mental illnesses also carry an increased risk for suicide.

Thirteen Great Books on OCD:

1. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder by Bruce M. Hyman and Cherry Pedrick (Hardcover - Aug 3, 2003)
2. Freeing Your Child from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Powerful, Practical Program for Parents of Children and Adolescents by Tamar E. Chansky (Paperback - Jul 10, 2001)
3. Freedom from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: A Personalized Recovery Program for Living with Uncertainty by Jonathan Grayson (Paperback - Sep 7, 2004)
4. Overcoming Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (Overcoming) by David Veale and Robert Willson (Paperback - Dec 22, 2008) Helping Your Child With Ocd: A Workbook for Parents of Children With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Lee, Ph.D. Fitzgibbons and Cherry Pedrick (Paperback - Oct 2003)
5. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders: A Complete Guide to Getting Well and Staying Well by Fred Penzel (Hardcover - Oct 19, 2000) Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Practical Tried-and-Tested Strategies to Overcome OCD (Class Health) (Class Health) by Frederick Toates and Olga Coschug-Toates (Paperback - Oct 2002)
6. Over and Over Again: Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (Paperback - Jul 29, 1997)
7. Why Does Everything Have to Be Perfect? Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (The Dell Guides for Mental Health) by Lynn Shackman, Shelagh Masline, and Roger Granet (Mass Market Paperback - Aug 10, 1999)
8. Helping Your Child With Ocd: A Workbook for Parents of Children With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Lee, Ph.D. Fitzgibbons and Cherry Pedrick (Paperback - Oct 2003) Overcoming Obsessive Thoughts: How to Gain Control of Your OCD by Christine, Ph.D. Purdon and David A. Clark (Paperback - Oct 2005)
9. The Sky Is Falling: Understanding and Coping With Phobias, Panic, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders by Raeann Dumont (Paperback - April 1997)
10. Overcoming Compulsive Hoarding: Why You Save & How You Can Stop (New Harbinger Self-Help Workbook) by Fugen Neziroglu, Jerome, Ph.D. Bubrick, Jose A. Yaryura-Tobias, and Patricia Perkins (Paperback - Jul 2004)
11. Rewind, Replay, Repeat: A Memoir of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Jeff Bell (Paperback - Feb 1, 2007)
12. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder by Naomi Fineberg, Donatella Marazziti, and Dan J. Stein (Paperback - Jan 15, 2001)
13. Funny, You Don't Look Crazy: Life With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Constance H. Foster (Paperback - Jan 1994)

Resource and Support Groups for OCD:

1. Obsessive Compulsive Foundation  
2. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Websites
3. Support4hope
4. Daily Strength Obsessive Compulsive Support Groups
5. LinkedWords OCD Support Groups
6. Medicare.com
7. SkokieNet  
8. Yahoo OCD Support Groups

Additional Resources:

• For related articles on obsessive compulsive disorder disorders on the Web, click on: “Sphere: Related Content” located at the bottom of this blog post.
• For related books or blog posts with related content in Dr. Jeff’s and Dr. Tanya’s Blog, go to “Psychiatric Disorders: OCD” or type in the keyword “obsessive compulsive disorder” into “Google Search” located in the sidebar.
• For more books with related content, click any hyperlinked keyword in the blog or type in the keyword, “obsessive compulsive disorder” into “Amazon Search” on the Amazon banner located in the side bar.

 

Sources: National Insittute of Mental Health, See also blogposts in: Psychiatric Disorders: OCD

Dr. Jeffrey Speller

Dr. Tanya Korkosz

Psychopharmacology Associates of New England

www.psychopharmassociates.com

1. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder by Bruce M. Hyman and Cherry Pedrick (Hardcover - Aug 3, 2003)
2. Freeing Your Child from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Powerful, Practical Program for Parents of Children and Adolescents by Tamar E. Chansky (Paperback - Jul 10, 2001)
3. Freedom from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: A Personalized Recovery Program for Living with Uncertainty by Jonathan Grayson (Paperback - Sep 7, 2004)
4. Overcoming Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (Overcoming) by David Veale and Robert Willson (Paperback - Dec 22, 2008) Helping Your Child With Ocd: A Workbook for Parents of Children With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Lee, Ph.D. Fitzgibbons and Cherry Pedrick (Paperback - Oct 2003)
5. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders: A Complete Guide to Getting Well and Staying Well by Fred Penzel (Hardcover - Oct 19, 2000) Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Practical Tried-and-Tested Strategies to Overcome OCD (Class Health) (Class Health) by Frederick Toates and Olga Coschug-Toates (Paperback - Oct 2002)
6. Over and Over Again: Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (Paperback - Jul 29, 1997)
7. Why Does Everything Have to Be Perfect? Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (The Dell Guides for Mental Health) by Lynn Shackman, Shelagh Masline, and Roger Granet (Mass Market Paperback - Aug 10, 1999)
8. Helping Your Child With Ocd: A Workbook for Parents of Children With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Lee, Ph.D. Fitzgibbons and Cherry Pedrick (Paperback - Oct 2003) Overcoming Obsessive Thoughts: How to Gain Control of Your OCD by Christine, Ph.D. Purdon and David A. Clark (Paperback - Oct 2005)
9. The Sky Is Falling: Understanding and Coping With Phobias, Panic, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders by Raeann Dumont (Paperback - April 1997)
10. Overcoming Compulsive Hoarding: Why You Save & How You Can Stop (New Harbinger Self-Help Workbook) by Fugen Neziroglu, Jerome, Ph.D. Bubrick, Jose A. Yaryura-Tobias, and Patricia Perkins (Paperback - Jul 2004)
11. Rewind, Replay, Repeat: A Memoir of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Jeff Bell (Paperback - Feb 1, 2007)
12. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder by Naomi Fineberg, Donatella Marazziti, and Dan J. Stein (Paperback - Jan 15, 2001)
13. Funny, You Don't Look Crazy: Life With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Constance H. Foster (Paperback - Jan 1994)

Resource and Support Groups for OCD:

1. Obsessive Compulsive Foundation  
2. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Websites
3. Support4hope
4. Daily Strength Obsessive Compulsive Support Groups
5. LinkedWords OCD Support Groups
6. Medicare.com
7. SkokieNet  
8. Yahoo OCD Support Groups

Additional Resources:

• For related articles on obsessive compulsive disorder disorders on the Web, click on: “Sphere: Related Content” located at the bottom of this blog post.
• For related books or blog posts with related content in Dr. Jeff’s and Dr. Tanya’s Blog, go to “Psychiatric Disorders: OCD” or type in the keyword “obsessive compulsive disorder” into “Google Search” located in the sidebar.
• For more books with related content, click any hyperlinked keyword in the blog or type in the keyword, “obsessive compulsive disorder” into “Amazon Search” on the Amazon banner located in the side bar.

 

Sources: National Insittute of Mental Health, See also blogposts in: Psychiatric Disorders: OCD

Dr. Jeffrey Speller

Dr. Tanya Korkosz

Psychopharmacology Associates of New England

www.psychopharmassociates.com

Nine common signs and symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder

1. persistent, upsetting thoughts (obsessions)
2. rituals (compulsions) to control the anxiety produced by persistent and upsetting thoughts
3. a need to repeatedly check things and touch things
4. a need to count things
5. a need to repeat words silently
6. repeated hand washing
7. preoccupied with order and symmetry
8. have difficulty throwing things out
9. rituals interfere with daily life

Fourteen Great Books on Anxiety Disorders:

1. What to Do When You Worry Too Much: A Kid's Guide to Overcoming Anxiety (What to Do Guides for Kids) by Dawn Huebner and Bonnie Matthews (Paperback - Sep 2005)
2. Overcoming Generalized Anxiety Disorder - Client Manual: A Relaxation, Cognitive Restructuring, and Exposure-Based Protocol for the Treatment of GAD (Best Practices for Therapy) by John White (Paperback - Jan 1, 1999)
3. Overcoming Anxiety for Dummies (Paperback) by Laura L. Smith (Author), Charles H. Elliott (Author)
4. The Anxiety & Phobia Workbook, Fourth Edition (Paperback) by Edmund J. Bourne
5. Overcoming Anxiety: From Short-Time Fixes to Long-Term Recovery (Paperback) by Reneau Peuifov Overcoming Social Anxiety and Shyness Self-help Course (Overcoming) by Gillian Butler (Paperback - Aug 30, 2007)
6. Free Yourself from Fears: Overcoming Anxiety and Living Without Worry by Joseph O'Connor (Paperback - Sep 25, 2005)
7. Overcoming Panic, Anxiety, & Phobias: New Strategies to Free Yourself from Worry and Fear by Carol Goldman and Shirley Babior (Paperback - Jan 1996)
8. If Your Adolescent Has an Anxiety Disorder: An Essential Resource for Parents (Adolescent Mental Health Initiative) by Edna B. Foa and Linda Wasmer Andrews (Paperback - April 1, 2006)
9. Overcoming Anxiety: A Self Help Guide Using Cognitive Behavioral Techniques (Overcoming) by Helen Kennerley (Paperback - Feb 1, 1997)
10. Panic and Anxiety Disorder: 121 Tips, Real-life Advice, Resources & More, Second Edition by Linda Manassee Buell and Brenda K., Ph.D. Wiederhold (Paperback - May 1, 2003)
11. Living Fully with Shyness and Social Anxiety: A Comprehensive Guide to Gaining Social Confidence by Erika B. Hilliard (Paperback - April 11, 2005)
12. Your Life is Waiting: The Average Joe's Guide to Overcoming Panic Attacks and Anxiety by Rafe R. Martin (Kindle Edition - Nov 6, 2007) - Kindle Book
13. Overcoming Social Anxiety and Shyness: A Self-Help Guide Using Cognitive Behavioral Techniques (Overcoming) by Gillian Butler (Paperback - May 12, 2008)
14. Overcoming Anxiety: Panic Attacks and Anxiety Disorders (Health Body, Healthy Soul Series) by David Hazard (Paperback - Sep 2003)

Thirteen Resource and Support Groups for Anxiety Disorders:

1. Anxiety Friends 
2. Anxiety Zone 
3. Yahoo Anxiety Support Groups
4. BP Panic  
5. MDJunction
6. Center for Emotional Wellbeing  
7. Social Anxiety Anonymous 
8. The Anxiety Community 
9. Yahoo Panic Support Groups
10. Anxiety Disorders Association of America
11. Anxiety Connection.com
12. Google Anxiety Support Groups
13. Social Anxiety Support

Additional Resources:

• For related articles on anxiety disorders on the Web, click on: “Sphere: Related Content” located at the bottom of this blog post.
• For related books or blog posts with related content in Dr. Jeff’s and Dr. Tanya’s Blog, go to  “Psychiatric Disorders: Anxiety” or type in the keyword “anxiety disorders” into “Google Search” located in the sidebar.
• For related articles from  Psychology Today, click on the “Psychology Today” banner in the side bar and type in the keyword, “anxiety disorders” into the Psychology Today “Search”.
• For more books with related content, click any hyperlinked keyword in the blog or type in the keyword, “anxiety disorders” into “Amazon Search” on the Amazon banner located in the side bar.

Dr. Jeffrey Speller

Dr. Tanya Korkosz

Psychopharmacology Associates of New England

www.psychopharmassociates.com

Eight resource and support groups for obsessive compulsive disorder

1. Obsessive Compulsive Foundation  
2. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Websites
3. Support4hope
4. Daily Strength Obsessive Compulsive Support Groups
5. LinkedWords OCD Support Groups
6. Medicare.com
7. SkokieNet  
8. Yahoo OCD Support Groups

 

Additional Resources:

• For related articles on obsessive compulsive disorder disorders on the Web, click on: “Sphere: Related Content” located at the bottom of this blog post.
• For related books or blog posts with related content in Dr. Jeff’s and Dr. Tanya’s Blog, go to “Psychiatric Disorders: OCD” or type in the keyword “obsessive compulsive disorder” into “Google Search” located in the sidebar.
• For more books with related content, click any hyperlinked keyword in the blog or type in the keyword, “obsessive compulsive disorder” into “Amazon Search” on the Amazon banner located in the side bar.

 

Dr. Jeffrey Speller

Dr. Tanya Korkosz

Psychopharmacology Associates of New England

www.psychopharmassociates.com

Thirteen great books on overcoming obsessive compulsive disorder

1. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder by Bruce M. Hyman and Cherry Pedrick (Hardcover - Aug 3, 2003)
2. Freeing Your Child from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Powerful, Practical Program for Parents of Children and Adolescents by Tamar E. Chansky (Paperback - Jul 10, 2001)
3. Freedom from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: A Personalized Recovery Program for Living with Uncertainty by Jonathan Grayson (Paperback - Sep 7, 2004)
4. Overcoming Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (Overcoming) by David Veale and Robert Willson (Paperback - Dec 22, 2008) Helping Your Child With Ocd: A Workbook for Parents of Children With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Lee, Ph.D. Fitzgibbons and Cherry Pedrick (Paperback - Oct 2003)
5. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders: A Complete Guide to Getting Well and Staying Well by Fred Penzel (Hardcover - Oct 19, 2000) Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Practical Tried-and-Tested Strategies to Overcome OCD (Class Health) (Class Health) by Frederick Toates and Olga Coschug-Toates (Paperback - Oct 2002)
6. Over and Over Again: Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (Paperback - Jul 29, 1997)
7. Why Does Everything Have to Be Perfect? Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (The Dell Guides for Mental Health) by Lynn Shackman, Shelagh Masline, and Roger Granet (Mass Market Paperback - Aug 10, 1999)
8. Helping Your Child With Ocd: A Workbook for Parents of Children With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Lee, Ph.D. Fitzgibbons and Cherry Pedrick (Paperback - Oct 2003) Overcoming Obsessive Thoughts: How to Gain Control of Your OCD by Christine, Ph.D. Purdon and David A. Clark (Paperback - Oct 2005)
9. The Sky Is Falling: Understanding and Coping With Phobias, Panic, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders by Raeann Dumont (Paperback - April 1997)
10. Overcoming Compulsive Hoarding: Why You Save & How You Can Stop (New Harbinger Self-Help Workbook) by Fugen Neziroglu, Jerome, Ph.D. Bubrick, Jose A. Yaryura-Tobias, and Patricia Perkins (Paperback - Jul 2004)
11. Rewind, Replay, Repeat: A Memoir of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Jeff Bell (Paperback - Feb 1, 2007)
12. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder by Naomi Fineberg, Donatella Marazziti, and Dan J. Stein (Paperback - Jan 15, 2001)
13. Funny, You Don't Look Crazy: Life With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Constance H. Foster (Paperback - Jan 1994)

 

Additional Resources:

• For related articles on obsessive compulsive disorder disorders on the Web, click on: “Sphere: Related Content” located at the bottom of this blog post.
• For related books or blog posts with related content in Dr. Jeff’s and Dr. Tanya’s Blog, go to “Psychiatric Disorders: OCD” or type in the keyword “obsessive compulsive disorder” into “Google Search” located in the sidebar.
• For more books with related content, click any hyperlinked keyword in the blog or type in the keyword, “obsessive compulsive disorder” into “Amazon Search” on the Amazon banner located in the side bar.

 

Dr. Jeffrey Speller

Dr. Tanya Korkosz

Psychopharmacology Associates of New England

www.psychopharmassociates.com

What part of the brain is involved in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?

Patients with Obsessive Complusive Disorder (OCD) are often quite interested in what part of their brain appears to be involved in this disorder. A report titled, “Brain Activity Shows Susceptibility to Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder,” published July 17, 2008 in MedPage Today commented on a study published in the July 18 2008 issue of Science. The study examined “14 patients, 12 of their unaffected first-degree relatives, and 15 controls without a family history of obsessive-compulsive disorder.” The results of the study concluded, “patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder and their unaffected relatives showed less activity in the lateral orbitofrontal cortex on functional MRI compared with controls.” This study supports the idea that patients with OCD have specific patterns of brain activity, including decreased activity in the lateral orbitofrontal cortex.

The Bottom Line: This study supports the idea that patients with OCD have specific patterns of brain activity, including decreased activity in the lateral orbitofrontal cortex.

Reference: Original Article

Suggested Reading:

1. Overcoming Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (Overcoming) (Paperback)by David Veale (Author), Rob Willson (Author)
2. Living Victoriously with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (Paperback) by Heather C. Crilly (Author)
3. Coping With OCD: Practical Strategies for Living Well With Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (Paperback) by Bruce M., Ph.D. Hyman (Author), Troy Dufrene (Author)

Dr. Jeffrey Speller

Dr. Tanya Korkosz

Psychopharmacology Associates of New England

www.psychopharmassociates.com

Are there effective treatments for obsessive-compulsive disorder to augment medication therapy?

Many patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are treated with medication but find that medication is only partially effective in controlling their symptoms.  Oftentimes these patients are interested in learning about additional treatments to supplement their medication, hoping to achieve more complete symptomatic relief. A new study reported in Journal Watch Psychiatry, July 2008, titled “A randomized, controlled trial of cognitive-behavioral therapy for augmenting pharmacotherapy in obsessive-compulsive disorder” examines this issue.  In this study, originally published in Am J Psychiatry 2008 May; 165:621, 108 patients with symptomatic OCD, despite ongoing medication therapy, were assigned to one of two treatment groups. One group received exposure and ritual prevention therapy and the other group received stress management as a control group. The results were encouraging. “At 8 weeks, exposure plus ritual prevention was associated with significantly more improvement than stress management. However, patients in both groups remained clinically symptomatic.” Given the results of this study, patients with moderate to severe OCD might want to consider a trial of exposure and ritual prevention therapy in addition to their medication, even if the combined treatment may result in only modest symptomatic improvement.

Bottom Line: Exposure plus ritual prevention therapy combined with psychiatric medication may result in modest symptomatic improvement in obsessive-compulsive disorder. 

Dr. Tanya Korkosz

Dr. Jeffrey Speller

Psychopharmacology Associates of New England

www.psychopharmassociates.com

Can deep brain stimulation (DBS) help patients with severe obsessive compulsive disorder?

Severe obsessive compulsive disorder with very disabling and highly resistant to treatment. Other studies have noted that OCD may be associated with overly active neurons in a region of the brain called the caudate nucleus. A study in Biol Psychiatry 2008 Mar 15; 63:557 sheds some light on this issue. This study was reviewed in Journal Watch Psychiatry in the June 2008 Vol. 14 No. 6. Three patients, all of whom had a long history of severe OCD with repeated failures on the standard psychiatric medications and in psychotherapy, had electrodes implanted in their brain in order to deliver deep brain stimulation (DBS). “One year after surgery, scores in all patients on a standard OCD scale were 35% to 60% lower than the presurgery scores.” Unfortunately, the sample size is very small making it difficult to come to any meaningful conclusions about the use of DBS in patients with severe OCD.

The Bottom Line: The results of this study appear to support the idea that deep brain stimulation may help patients with severe obsessive compulsive disorder but the very small sample size makes it difficult to come to any meaningful conclusions about the use of DBS in patients with severe OCD. Nevertheless, this study does seem to support the theory that overly active neurons in the caudate nucleus may be, at least, one of the causes of OCD.

Dr. Tanya Korkosz
Dr. Jeffrey Speller
Psychopharmacology Associates
of New England
www.psychopharmassociates.com