MedWorm.com provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest items from the 'About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder' source. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:35:38 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5570710&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2012%2F01%2F04%2Fscrupulosity-and-ocd.htm In this study, 72 individuals with scrupulous OCD and 72 individuals with non-scrupulous OCD completed an online survey.  Overall, the investigators found that severity of symptoms was equal across the two groups.  Perhaps unsurprisingly, the individuals with scrupulous OCD were more religious, more likely to seek pastoral counseling, less likely to seek medication treatment, and more likely to report that symptoms interfered with their religious experience.  Among individuals with scrupulous OCD, the more negative the concept of God held by the individual, the more severe their symptoms. Interestingly, about 20% of the sample with scrupulous OCD did not report any specific religious affiliation....Read Full Post (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5570710 Sat, 17 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5570710 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5513767&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2011%2F12%2F17%2Fadding-cbt-to-medication-improves-outcomes-in-pediatric-ocd.htm Although selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can be helpful in reducing the intensity and frequency of OCD symptoms in children, many cases of pediatric OCD are only partially responsive to medication.  As such, a recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association sought to examine whether adding CBT to standard medical treatment with SSRIs improved outcomes in individuals ages 7 to 17 with OCD.   Using a randomized control design the investigators found that the addition of CBT to the standard medication protocol yielded a significantly better response rate than medication alone....Read Full Post (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5513767 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5513767 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5484925&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2011%2F12%2F08%2Focd-and-stressful-life-events.htm Like all forms of mental illness, symptoms of OCD are often triggered or exacerbated by stressful events. A recent study in the Israel Journal of Psychiatric and Related Sciences sought to examine the relationship between OCD symptoms and stressful events.  Comparing people with and without OCD, this investigation found that life events were significantly more frequent in OCD patients, as compared to healthy controls. Importantly, the severity of OCD symptoms was directly proportional to the number of stressful life events experienced in the last six months prior to symptom onset.  As this study was correlational, it difficult to make statements about causation.  Indeed, it is possible that the onset of OCD symptoms may cause stressful live events to occur (e.g., missing wor... About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5484925 Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5484925 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5295029&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Fqt.htm Quick Tip document index for the About.com GuideSite. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5295029 Sat, 08 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5295029 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5295028&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Fa.htm Article document index for the About.com GuideSite. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5295028 Sat, 08 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5295028 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5258460&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Ftreatment%2Fa%2FPsychotherapy-For-Children-With-Ocd.htm Although we often think of OCD as a disorder that affects mainly adults, clinical research suggests that between 1 and 2% of children develop OCD. While many of the psychological treatments that work for adults are also effective for children, there are subtle but important differences in the way they are implemented. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5258460 Tue, 27 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5258460 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5247875&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Fotheranxietydisorders%2Fa%2FOcd-And-Epilepsy.htm There is a long standing association between epilepsy and various forms of mental illness. Although numbers vary from study to study, research suggests that between 10% and 20% of people with temporal lobe epilepsy have OCD; this is a rate that is much higher than what would be expected in the general population. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5247875 Fri, 23 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5247875 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5312386&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2011%2F10%2F12%2Fthe-long-term-impact-of-symptoms-of-depression-on-ocd-treatment.htm It is an unfortunate reality that OCD is often accompanied by major depressive disorder. This is clinically significant as the presence of symptoms of depression can often hamper successful OCD treatment.  A recent study in the Journal of Affective Disorders sought to examine the impact of symptoms of depression on long-term outcomes in OCD treatment.  Interestingly, the authors found that symptoms of depression were not predictive of treatment for up to 5 years of follow-up. In addition, it was found that OCD symptoms largely predicted changes in depressive symptoms but not the other way around. Based on these results, the authors of the study suggest that treatment for OCD with co-morbid depression should focus primarily on alleviating symptoms of OCD, the theory being that if ... About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5312386 Wed, 21 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5312386 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5247874&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2011%2F09%2F21%2Fwhat-are-your-symptoms-2.htm There are at least 5 different types of OCD symptoms such as hoarding, obsessive thoughts with no compulsions and symmetry obsessions. What are you symptoms and how do you deal with them? Share Your Experience (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5247874 Sun, 11 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5247874 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5221071&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2011%2F09%2F11%2Fdoes-exercise-help-you-cope-with-your-ocd-symptoms.htm Some recent studies suggest that adding exercise to your treatment package could be helpful for reducing OCD symptoms. Do you currently exercise? Have you found exercise helpful in reducing your OCD symptoms? If so, what kind of exercise have you found the most helpful? Share Your Experience...Read Full Post (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5221071 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5221071 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5181509&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2011%2F08%2F31%2Focd-and-bipolar-disorder.htm It is now well established that OCD often occurs with bipolar disorder.  A recent study in the journal Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences sought to elucidate differences between OCD with and without bipolar disorder.  The study investigators found that when OCD occurs with bipolar disorder individuals tend to have i) symptoms that occur in clusters ii) a higher number of depressive episodes, greater suicidality and a higher rate of hospitalization iii) more idiosyncratic compulsions, and iv) poorer insight than when OCD occurs in the absence of bipolar disorder.  Overall, these data suggest a greater severity of illness when OCD occurs with bipolar disorder which, of course, has important implications for the understanding and treatment of both illnesses.  As the aut... About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5181509 Sun, 14 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5181509 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5130583&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Ftreatment%2Ff%2FDoes-Psychotherapy-For-Ocd-Have-Side-Effects.htm While psychotherapy is very effective for reducing OCD symptoms, many people feel as though they experience side effects from treatment. Is this true? (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5130583 Sun, 14 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5130583 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5125639&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Ftreatment%2Ff%2FDoes-Ocd-Require-Hospitalization-For-Effective-Treatment.htm Do I need hospitalization to be successfully treated for OCD? (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5125639 Fri, 12 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5125639 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5130582&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2011%2F08%2F15%2Fcoping-with-ocd-and-depression-2.htm If you have OCD, you probably know that you are at a greater risk for developing other forms of mental illness. One of the most common mental illnesses to occur with OCD is major depressive disorder. Unfortunately, the presence of depression can often have a negative impact on the treatment of OCD symptoms. Have your OCD symptoms made you feel depressed from time to time? If so, what have you found effective for dealing with symptoms of depression? Share Your Experience....Read Full Post (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5130582 Mon, 08 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5130582 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5107278&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Ftreatment%2Ff%2FHow-Long-Does-It-Take-OCD-Therapy-To-Work.htm People undergoing OCD therapy may wonder how long it takes before it (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5107278 Mon, 08 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5107278 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5107277&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Fwhatisocd%2Ff%2FCan-I-Diagnose-Myself-With-Ocd.htm Many people may feel that they are (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5107277 Mon, 08 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5107277 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5107276&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Flivingwithoc1%2Ff%2FDoes-Experiencing-Sexual-And-Aggressive-Obsessions-Mean-That-I-Want-These-Things-To-Happen.htm Some people with OCD may worry that experiencing sexual or aggressive obsessions means that they actually want these things to happen. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5107276 Mon, 08 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5107276 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5103275&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Flivingwithoc1%2Ff%2FCan-People-With-Ocd-Live-Normal-And-Productive-Lives.htm If you have OCD, you may feel like your life will never be (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5103275 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5103275 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5118485&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2011%2F08%2F09%2Finternet-based-cbt-may-help-ocd-symptoms.htm For many people living in rural or remote areas, it is difficult to access mental health professionals  such as clinical psychologists who are experts in the delivery of cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) for OCD.  As such, on-line treatments that can be accessed via the internet are being developed.  A recent study in the journal BMC Psychiatry sought to evaluate the effectiveness of an internet-based CBT program for OCD.  Participants enrolled in the study received a 15-week ICBT program with therapist support consisting of psychoeducation, cognitive restructuring and exposure with response prevention.  At completion of the study, over 60% of participants had a clinically significant improvement and 43% no longer fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of OCD . The treat... About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5118485 Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5118485 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5086044&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2011%2F08%2F01%2Fthe-characteristics-of-early-onset-ocd.htm Although symptoms of OCD can begin at almost any age, research suggests that there are two distinct periods when OCD symptoms are most likely to appear. The first occurs around the ages of 10 to 12 or just before puberty and the second is between the ages of 18 to 23.  A study in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry and Allied Disciplines sought to identify how age of onset would relate to symptoms and response to treatment. They found that earlier age of onset was correlated wtih longer duration of illness, higher rates of comorbid tics, more frequent ordering and repeating compulsions and greater parent-reported psychosocial difficulties. Response to treatment did not differ as a function of age of symptom onset....Read Full Post (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Dis... About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5086044 Mon, 18 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5086044 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5036152&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Fwhatisocd%2Ff%2FDo-Obsessions-And-Compulsions-Change-Over-Time.htm While it is certainly possible to experience different OCD symptom clusters, the vast majority of research indicates that once an OCD symptom cluster appears, it is very rare for it to disappear and be replaced by other symptom clusters. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5036152 Sat, 16 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5036152 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5019200&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Fcauses%2Ff%2FIs-Ocd-Caused-By-A-Chemical-Imbalance.htm Mental illnesses such as OCD are often chalked up to “chemical imbalances”, however, in reality the picture is much more complex. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5019200 Mon, 11 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5019200 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5019199&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Flivingwithoc1%2Ff%2FDo-I-Have-Ocd-Because-Of-A-Personal-Weakness.htm Many people with OCD will often blame personal weakness for experiencing symptoms of OCD, such as obsessions or compulsions. In reality, OCD is the result of a complex association between genetic and environmental risk factors such a family history of OCD or stress or illness experienced early in life. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5019199 Mon, 11 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5019199 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5050280&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2011%2F07%2F19%2Fpostpartum-ocd-prevention-program-shows-promise.htm It is not uncommon for mothers to experience an array of emotions following the arrival of a new baby. The postpartum period has long been known to be a time of increased risk for the appearance, worsening or recurrence of mood and anxiety disorders. Many studies have suggested that the postpartum period may also present a risk for the onset or exacerbation postpartum obsessive compulsive disorder.  As such, a recent study in the Journal of Psychiatric Research evaluated the effectiveness of a prevention program for postpartum obsessive-compulsive symptoms among at-risk women.  The results of the study indicate that at 1, 3 and 6 months after birth, participating in a cognitive behavioral prevention program was associated with a lower incidence of OCD symptoms compared to a contr... About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5050280 Sun, 10 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5050280 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5019198&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2011%2F07%2F11%2Focd-in-childhood-may-be-a-risk-factor-for-eating-disorders.htm This study, which followed 231 children diagnosed with OCD over 9 years, found that 16% of study participants had a diagnosis of an eating disorder at follow-up.  Such a diagnosis was predicted by being female as well as having active OCD symptoms at follow-up.  In addition, a family history of an eating disorder was also a risk factor....Read Full Post (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5019198 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5019198 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4984252&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2011%2F06%2F29%2Fcbt-helps-those-who-do-not-respond-to-medication.htm Although most people's OCD symptoms will respond to treatment with medication such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), up to a third of people with OCD do not seem to benefit from drug treatment.  A recent study in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders evaluated the effectiveness of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) in people who were non-responsive to multiple trials of treatment with SSRIs.  Patients received 20 to 25 sessions of CBT over a 3-month period. Most patients were able to complete treatment and the majority maintained gains made during CBT a year after the study was complete. Interestingly, those who completed their homework regularly and whose symptoms were less severe at the start of therapy appeared to do best....Read Full Post (Source: About.com Obsessi... About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4984252 Tue, 21 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4984252 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4959924&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2011%2F06%2F22%2Fintegrating-family-into-ocd-treatment.htm Many patients would like to involve their family in treatment but are unsure when this is appropriate or even how to go about doing this. Have you asked family members to participate in your OCD treatment? If so, did you find it helpful?  Share your experience....Read Full Post (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4959924 Sun, 12 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4959924 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4902203&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Ftreatment%2Ff%2FWhat-Is-An-Exposure-Hierarchy.htm Exposure hierarchy is used in treatment for obsessive compulsive disorder. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4902203 Sun, 05 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4902203 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4933814&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2011%2F06%2F13%2Fdoes-exercise-help-your-ocd-symptoms.htm Some recent studies suggest that adding exercise to your treatment package could be helpful for reducing OCD symptoms. Do you currently exercise? Have you found exercise helpful in reducing your OCD symptoms? If so, what kind of exercise have you found the most helpful? Share Your Experience...Read Full Post (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4933814 Sat, 04 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4933814 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4902202&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2011%2F06%2F05%2Fstigma-in-the-workplace-2.htm If you have OCD, work -- seeking out, obtaining and maintaining gainful employment -- can be extremely challenging. While symptoms of OCD can get in the way of completing the required duties of a particular job, there is also the significant challenge of stigma, prejudice and discrimination that is associated with mental illness. Have you ever been discriminated against at work because of your OCD? If so, how did you cope with it?...Read Full Post (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4902202 Mon, 23 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4902202 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4862354&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2011%2F05%2F24%2Fwhen-did-your-symptoms-begin.htm Although symptoms of OCD can begin at almost any age, research suggests that there are two distinct periods when OCD symptoms are most likely to appear. The first occurs around the ages of 10 to 12 or just before puberty, and the second is between the ages of 18 to 23. When did your OCD symptoms first begin? Share Your Experience...Read Full Post (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4862354 Thu, 12 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4862354 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4820645&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2011%2F05%2F13%2Fneuropsychological-function-in-ocd.htm It is increasingly clear that many forms of mental illness are accompanied by deficits in neurological functioning.  A recent study in the journal Comprehensive Psychiatry sought to examine differences in the neuropsychological profile of patients with OCD versus healthy controls using a comprehensive neuropsychological battery.  The results of the study indicated that patients with OCD demonstrated significantly poorer performance on tests related to verbal memory, attention and psychomotor speed, and visuospatial and executive functions.  Practically speaking, these results suggest that individuals affected by OCD may have some difficulties recalling verbal information, planning as well as being flexible across tasks with different demands.  Although the neuropsycholo... About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4820645 Fri, 06 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4820645 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4771000&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Flivingwithoc1%2Ff%2FHow-Do-I-Cope-When-A-Family-Member-Refuses-Ocd-Treatment.htm One of the most frustrating things for family members of people with OCD is when the affected family member refuses to see a doctor or other mental health professional for assessment or treatment. What can you do to cope when your family member refuses treatment? (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4771000 Sat, 30 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4771000 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4770999&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Ftreatment%2Fa%2FExposure-Therapy-For-Ocd-Step-by-Step.htm Although exposure therapy works for reducing symptoms of OCD, many people decline exposure therapy out of fear and misunderstanding. However, if you break down OCD exposure therapy step-by-step, you will discover that it is simply a tool for unlearning unhealthy associations. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4770999 Sat, 30 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4770999 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4797724&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2011%2F05%2F07%2F321.htm This study did not address whether these observed impairments reflect a risk factor for developing OCD or whether they come about as a function of experiencing OCD symptoms....Read Full Post (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4797724 Wed, 27 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4797724 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4762686&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2011%2F04%2F28%2Fthe-drug-sarcosine-may-help-reduce-ocd-symptoms.htm A study just published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology examined where the glycine (a neurochemcial) transporter antagonist sarcosine would be effective in reducing OCD symptoms.  Patients were divided into three groups; those who had never taken OCD medication , those who had discontinued an SSRI for at least 8 weeks prior to the study and those who were still taking an SSRI.  After 10 weeks it was found that on average symptoms of OCD had decreased almost 20%.  Although there was no statistically significant difference in response to sarcosine across the three groups, there was a trend for drug-naïve patients to show a better response compared to those who had previously or were currently taking an SSRI.  It should be noted that this study employed a... About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4762686 Fri, 22 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4762686 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4742257&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Ftreatment%2Ff%2FWhat-Is-A-Typical-Ocd-Therapy-Session-Like.htm Many people with OCD would like to undertake cognitive-behavioral therapy sessions for OCD but are unsure what a therapy session would be like. This uncertainty can lead to avoidance of therapy sessions, which only makes the problem worse. Learn more about what a typical CBT therapy session for OCD looks like. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4742257 Thu, 21 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4742257 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4744787&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2011%2F04%2F23%2Fthe-myth-of-pure-o.htm There are many OCD subtypes including OCD without compulsions (sometimes called "pure O").  This symptom subtype often relates to unwanted obsessions surrounding sexual, religious or aggressive themes. A recent study in the journal Depression and Anxiety sought to examine the relationship between so-called pure obsessions and more subtle compulsions including mental compulsions and reassurance seeking. Using a sample of 201 patients with OCD, they found that mental compulsions and reassurance-seeking were highly related to sexual, aggressive, and religious obsessions.  The authors of this study suggest that concept of "pure O" may be need re-examination and that this OCD subtype may, indeed, be accompanied by more covert compulsions....Read Full Post (Source: About.com Obsessive ... About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4744787 Thu, 14 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4744787 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4719811&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2011%2F04%2F15%2Fintensive-cbt-for-postpartum-ocd-may-improve-parenting.htm The postpartum period has long been known to be a time of increased risk for the appearance, worsening or recurrence of mood and anxiety disorders. A number of studies have suggested that the postpartum period may also present a risk for the onset or exacerbation of OCD.  Importantly, the onset of OCD symptoms following birth - especially where there are obsessions related to harming the baby - may impair the mothers ability to provide optimum care.   A recent study in journal Behavior Research and Therapy examined whether an intensive two-week course of cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) in mothers with postpartum onset OCD would demonstrate an improvement in OCD symptoms as well as in subjective and objective measures of quality of parenting.  Mothers who completed the ... About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4719811 Sat, 09 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4719811 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4696540&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2011%2F04%2F10%2Fsticking-with-exposure-based-therapy.htm While exposure therapy can be very effective, only two-thirds of patients complete treatment. Often, this occurs because patients are unwilling to experience the intense distress that can accompany an exposure exercise. What coping strategies did you use to stick with treatment when the going got tough?  Share your experience....Read Full Post (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4696540 Tue, 29 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4696540 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4653143&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Fdiagnosis%2Fu%2FSymptoms_Diagnosis.htm OCD is one of the most misunderstood mental illnesses. Learn the basics of OCD symptoms: What kind of mental illness is OCD? Who is affected by OCD symptoms? What are the main OCD symptoms. How is OCD diagnosed? Where do OCD symptoms come from? (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4653143 Mon, 28 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4653143 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4653142&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Fotheranxietydisorders%2Fa%2FTourette.htm Tourette’s syndrome is named after French neurologist Georges Gilles de la Tourette who first described this disorder in 1885. This childhood-onset movement disorder is often associated with OCD, ADHD and other behavioral problems. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4653142 Mon, 28 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4653142 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4653141&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Flivingwithoc1%2Fu%2FCoping.htm It is a fact of life that we will all experience stress from time to time. Life stress can range from daily annoyances to traumatic events that turn our lives upside down in an instant. Although feeling stressed out can make coping with OCD difficult, some people are more resilient than others when it comes to coping with OCD. Why is this? Learn about coping with OCD (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4653141 Mon, 28 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4653141 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4653140&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Ftreatment%2Fu%2FTreat.htm Although the symptoms of OCD can be debilitating, there are a variety of OCD treatment options that are safe and effective. Find out more about the OCD treatments that are proven to reduce the obsessions and compulsions that accompany OCD. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4653140 Mon, 28 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4653140 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4642483&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Fglossary%2Fg%2FCognitive-Distortion.htm First identified by the seminal cognitive-behavioral therapist Aaron Beck, cognitive distortions are errors in thinking that are prevalent in many forms of mental illness including mood and anxiety disorders. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4642483 Sun, 27 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4642483 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4642482&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Fglossary%2Fg%2FExposure-Therapy.htm Exposure therapy is an effective behavioral treatment for a variety of anxiety disorders including OCD. Exposure therapy works by taking advantage of a natural process called habituation. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4642482 Sun, 27 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4642482 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4658198&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2011%2F03%2F30%2Fstroke-cures-woman-of-ocd.htm An article just published in the International Journal of Neuroscience outlines an interesting case study in which symptoms of severe OCD disappeared immediately after a small stroke. The patient, a 43-year-old Hispanic woman with OCD, had severe, long-standing OCD symptoms involving obsessive thoughts of killing her family members as well as compulsions related to checking doors.  However, following the stroke, both her intrusive thoughts and rituals disappeared completely.  At the time the article was written, she had been symptom free for 24 months.  The authors of the study proposed that the stroke resulted in a modulation of cortical-subcortical circuits that may cause OCD symptoms.  Not only is this a fascinating case study, but it also could lead to new information with respect ... About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4658198 Tue, 22 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4658198 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4622141&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2011%2F03%2F22%2Focpd-linked-to-more-severe-ocd-symptoms-and-impairment.htm Although often confused, obsessive compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) are two distinct forms of mental illness.  However, that does not mean that they cannot occur together.  In fact, it is not uncommon for OCPD and OCD to occur with one another.  A recent study explored differences between OCD patients with and without co-occurring OCPD.  In this investigation the researchers found that when compared to patients with just OCD, those with OCD and OCPD demonstrated greater symptom severity, co-occurrence with other mood and anxiety disorders, impairment in day-to-day functioning, and poorer insight into the nature and impact of symptoms.  While it is unclear from this study whether OCPD causes these changes or is simply a marker for severity ... About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4622141 Sun, 20 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4622141 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4615014&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2011%2F03%2F20%2Fhave-you-ever-been-stigmatized-because-of-your-ocd.htm If you have OCD, you know that the stigma attached to mental illness can make it difficult to cope. Even though it is clear that OCD has biological roots, there are people who continue to believe that people challenged with mental illness should be able to "snap out of it." Have you ever been discriminated against or stigmatized because of your OCD? What happened and how did you cope with it?  Share your experience....Read Full Post (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4615014 Tue, 08 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4615014 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4549683&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38360&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Fotheranxietydisorders%2Fa%2FWhat-Is-Hoarding.htm Pathological or compulsive hoarding is a specific type of behavior characterized by acquiring and failing to throw out a large number of items that would appear to have little or no value to others, severe cluttering of the person's home so that it is no longer able to function as a viable living space and significant distress or impairment of work or social life. Although hoarding often occurs with OCD, the two are not always linked. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4549683 Sat, 05 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4549683 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4565770&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2011%2F03%2F08%2Fhomework-pays-off-when-it-comes-to-ocd-treatment.htm This study underscores the important point that therapy sessions are simply one or two hours out of the week - coping effectively with OCD symptoms requires implementation of treatment strategies on a daily basis.  The good news is that if you stick with it, this gets much easier with time....Read Full Post (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4565770 Wed, 02 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4565770 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4524998&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Ftreatment%2Fa%2FGetting-Ready-For-Ocd-Treatment.htm Whether it's quitting smoking, starting a new diet or beginning a new workout routine, almost everyone has struggled at some point with making positive changes in their health behaviors. Engaging in OCD treatment is no different. It requires hard work and dedication to stick with an OCD treatment plan that initially causes distress or side-effects. Before beginning any OCD treatment plan, it is a good idea to check in with yourself to see how ready you are for change. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4524998 Sat, 26 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4524998 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4540458&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2011%2F03%2F02%2Fagomelatine-may-help-those-who-do-not-respond-to-ssris.htm Although SSRIs are often effective in reducing symptoms of OCD, this class of medication does not work for everyone - in fact, between 1/3rd to 1/2 of people taking SSRIs for OCD report that these drugs have little to no effect on their symptoms. As such, there has been great interest in developing new medical treatments.  A study recently published in the Annals of General Psychiatry evaluated whether Agomelatine, a novel melatonin agonist and selective serotonin antagonist antidepressant approved for major depressive disorder was effective in reducing symptoms of OCD in a small group of patients who had not responded to SSRIs.  After 12 weeks, 3 of the 6 patients taking Agomelatine had a 35% reduction in OCD symptoms.  Although this was a very small pilot study, it does suggest that f... About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4540458 Wed, 23 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4540458 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4512286&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2011%2F02%2F23%2Fthe-voices-of-ocd.htm An OCD About.com Blog reader brought this 2009 New York Times piece to my attention.  It features interviews with six individuals living with OCD.  Although these individuals are from all walks of life, each struggles with obsessions and compulsions on a daily basis.  Importantly, these individuals discuss the treatment and coping strategies that they have found to be helpful in dealing with their OCD symptoms.  This is well worth a listen....Read Full Post (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4512286 Sun, 20 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4512286 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4501489&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2011%2F02%2F20%2Fthe-anti-inflammatory-drug-celebrex-may-help-reduce-ocd-symptoms.htm Although there are many FDA approved medications for the treatment of OCD, these drugs fail to reduce OCD symptoms in 33 to 50% of affected individuals.  Augmentation therapy is strategy that is being explored as a way to improve the odds of relieving OCD symptoms when treating patients with OCD medication. Augmentation therapy involves using combinations of drug, rather than a single OCD medication, for maximum effect.  Interestingly, there is growing evidence that many forms of mental illness including OCD may involve hyperactivity of the body's inflammatory response.  The chemicals released by the inflammatory response may help trigger symptoms of OCD.  As such, a study published in the journal Psychiatry Research evaluated whether combining the anti-inflammatory drug Celebrex (cele... About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4501489 Sat, 19 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4501489 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4498228&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2011%2F02%2F19%2Fstress-may-change-the-nature-of-ocd-symptoms.htm Like all forms of mental illness, OCD symptoms are often triggered by stressful events. In addition, for certain individuals, stress may be a risk factor for developing OCD in the first place.  A study recently published in the journal Depression and Anxiety examined whether individuals reporting stressful life events at the onset of their OCD differed with respect to the nature and severity of their symptoms when compared to individuals whose onset of OCD symptoms was not tied to stressful events. They found that individuals whose OCD symptoms were triggered by stressful life event were more likely to develop OCD later in life, have had a complicated birth, have less family members with OCD and experience obsessions and compulsions related to contamination a... About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4498228 Tue, 15 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4498228 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4482669&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2011%2F02%2F15%2Fare-you-an-ocd-expert.htm Do you know the signs of OCD? Are you familiar with common OCD thoughts?  Can you recognize obsessive behaviors? The key to managing a chronic illness like OCD is to become an expert on your illness and to know as much as possible about the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of OCD.  A solid understanding of OCD is absolutely essential to coping effectively. While there is currently no cure, OCD can be managed effectively using a number of different medical and psychological treatments. ...Read Full Post (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4482669 Sun, 13 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4482669 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4459704&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Ftreatment%2Fa%2FOcd-Treatments.htm Although OCD is a serious mental illness associated with high levels of disability, there are a number of OCD treatments that will significantly reduce OCD symptoms in two thirds of affected people. For the remaining one third of people not helped by standard OCD treatments, a number of alternative and experimental OCD treatments offer new hope. Learn more about the various OCD treatments available. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4459704 Thu, 10 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4459704 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4459703&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Fglossary%2Fg%2FIntrusive-Thoughts.htm Intrusive thoughts (sometimes called obsessions) are a common OCD symptom. Intrusive thoughts are thoughts that are unwanted, feel uncontrollable, and often pertain to disturbing or distressing themes. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4459703 Thu, 10 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4459703 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4459702&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Fglossary%2Fg%2FDefinition-Of-Ocd.htm Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by two core symptoms -- obsessions and compulsions. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4459702 Thu, 10 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4459702 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4459701&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Flivingwithoc1%2Fa%2FChildren-With-Ocd.htm Although many people think of OCD as a disorder that affects only adults, there are many children with OCD. While there are many similarities between adults and children with OCD, there are also many important differences. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4459701 Thu, 10 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4459701 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4459700&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Flivingwithoc1%2Ff%2FOcd-And-Teenagers.htm Teenagers can be a challenge at the best of times. However, when your teenage son or daughter has OCD, it can present additional challenges. Parents often ask, how do I help my teenage son/daughter with OCD? (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4459700 Thu, 10 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4459700 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4472898&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2011%2F02%2F13%2Freward-circuitry-may-be-altered-in-ocd.htm A study published in the journal Biological Psychiatry suggests that OCD symptoms may be, in part, a result of a dysfunctional reward circuit in the brain. In this investigation brain activity during both the anticipation and receipt of a reward (a small amount of money) was compared in individuals with and without a diagnosis of OCD. The researchers also took the additional step of comparing the brain activity of people with OCD whose obsessions related primarily to contamination to those whose fears are linked to high-risk assessment (e.g., a loved one being killed in a car accident). They found that in comparison to individuals without OCD, those with OCD showed decreased activity in the brain's reward circuit when anticipating a small money reward. This reduced activity was higher in p... About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4472898 Tue, 08 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4472898 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4445693&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Fglossary%2Fg%2FMotivational-Interviewing.htm Motivational interviewing techniques were originally developed to help enhance motivation for change and reduce negative feelings towards treatment in individuals struggling with substance use disorders; however, these techniques are now being used to help people with mental illness such as OCD get ready for behavior therapy. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4445693 Mon, 07 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4445693 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4450181&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2011%2F02%2F08%2Focd-in-children-is-associated-with-trauma.htm Like most forms of mental illness, OCD is often associated with the experience of traumatic events such as death of a parent or serious illness in childhood.  A study recently published in the Journal of Anxiety disorders sought to measure the incidence of trauma among children with OCD compared to a sample of their peers who did not have a diagnosis of OCD.  Within this sample it was found that trauma exposure and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were higher in children with OCD compared to children without a diagnosis of OCD.  Importantly, symptoms of OCD were more severe in those children who endorsed a history of trauma and/or symptoms of PTSD.  Although this descriptive study does not allow us to draw conclusions about the causal relationship between traumatic stre... About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4450181 Sat, 05 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4450181 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4433001&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Flivingwithoc1%2Fa%2FExcessive-Reassurance-Seeking.htm One of the things that the family and friends of people affected by OCD find to the be most stressful is dealing with the excessive reassurance seeking that can often accompany OCD. Learn what excessive reassurance seeking is, why it perpetuates symptoms of OCD and what to do about it. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4433001 Thu, 03 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4433001 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4438861&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2011%2F02%2F05%2Fis-ocd-a-risk-factor-for-alzheimers.htm A case study published in the journal Neurological Sciences describes a family in which there appears to be a very strong association between Alzheimer's disease and OCD.  The individual, who was diagnosed with both OCD and Alzheimer's, reported that 15 family members were also affected by OCD and/or dementia.  Although this is only one study, examining one family, and it is impossible to make statements about the cause and effect relationship between OCD and Alzheimer's disease based on this data,  there is potentially a theoretical link between Alzheimer's and OCD through common involvement of the glutamate system of the brain.  Clearly more research is needed to determine if there is, in fact, a link between these two conditions....Read Full Post (Source: About.com Obsessive Compuls... About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4438861 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4438861 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4424106&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2011%2F02%2F01%2Fabout-com-ocd-is-now-on-facebook.htm I am delighted to let you know that About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is now on Facebook - you can access our Facebook page by clicking here.  I will be using this page to post links to new articles, keep you updated on the latest research on OCD and provide tips for living with OCD. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4424106 Wed, 26 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4424106 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4399411&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Ftreatment%2Ff%2FWhen-Should-My-Family-Be-Integrated-Into-My-Ocd-Treatment.htm When a family member has OCD, it often has a significant negative impact on family functioning by disrupting relationships, reducing time for leisure activities and causing financial strain. Not surprisingly, this level of dysfunction causes a great deal of distress, both for the family member with OCD as well as the family itself. When should family be integrated into treatment and how is this done? (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4399411 Wed, 26 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4399411 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4399410&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2011%2F01%2F26%2Focd-impacts-the-family.htm This study serves as an important reminder that it is often essential to integrate family members into treatment for OCD if it is to be successful so that behaviors such as excessive reassurance seeking (which can be harmful to all involved) can be reduced. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4399410 Sun, 16 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4399410 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4352680&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Fglossary%2Fg%2Fdefintion-sexual-obsession.htm Although there are a wide range of sexual obsessions, common themes include homosexuality/sexual identity, sexual abuse, sexual thoughts about friends, incest, infidelity, sexual perversions, sex with animals, violent sexual behavior, and blasphemous thoughts combining religion and sex. Importantly, sexual obsessions can occur with or without compulsions. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4352680 Sat, 15 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4352680 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4355669&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2011%2F01%2F16%2Fradiation-may-help-symptoms-of-ocd.htm This study certainly suggests that further research is warranted to investigate the efficacy of this technique. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4355669 Tue, 11 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4355669 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4337780&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2011%2F01%2F11%2Fsexual-obsessions-are-relatively-common.htm Sexual obsessions include doubt about one's sexual orientation, fears of becoming homosexual, or fears that others might think one is homosexual.  A recent study in the journal Psychiatry Research sought to understand how common sexual obsessions are among individuals with OCD.  The results of their study indicated that approximately 12% of patients with OCD have experienced sexual obsessions at some point in their life.  Importantly, people reporting a history of sexual orientation obsessions were twice as likely to be male than female and to endorse with moderate OCD symptom severity....Read Full Post (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4337780 Mon, 03 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4337780 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4302084&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Ftreatment%2Fa%2FExposure-Therapy-For-Ocd.htm While behavior therapies can be very effective, only two-thirds of patients complete treatment. Learn exactly how exposure based treatments for OCD work and why they fail. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4302084 Fri, 31 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4302084 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4287360&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Fglossary%2Fg%2FDefintion-Of-D-Cycloserine.htm Learn more about D-cycloserine (Seromycin) and its potential to treat OCD. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4287360 Fri, 24 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4287360 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4287359&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Ffaqs%2Ff%2FAm-I-Ready-For-Behavioral-Therapy-For-Ocd.htm Many clients seek out behavioral therapy for OCD without being exactly sure what behavior therapy entails. As well, people with OCD usually want to get better, but are unwilling or unable to make the necessary changes in behavior or tolerate the temporary increase in anxiety that are required for behavior therapy to work. As such, many people with OCD ask “Am I ready for behavioral therapy for OCD?” (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4287359 Fri, 24 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4287359 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4309494&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2011%2F01%2F03%2Fpsychotherapy-for-ocd-2.htm Although psychological treatments have come to the forefront in the treatment of OCD, they seem to work better for some than others. What psychological treatments have you used to manage your OCD symptoms? Did they work for you? What has been your experience with psychological treatments for OCD? (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4309494 Tue, 21 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4309494 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4277747&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2010%2F12%2F21%2Focd-and-substance-abuse.htm People affected by OCD are at greater risk for developing substance use disorders. Although alcohol and drug use may initially mask OCD symptoms, in the long run using substances can make symptoms worse, interfere with treatment and disrupt supportive relationships. How do you cope with the temptation to use drugs or alcohol to deal with your symptoms? (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4277747 Mon, 13 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4277747 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4251063&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Ffaqs%2Ff%2FHow-Can-I-Stop-Ocd-Thoughts.htm Learn about ways to handle OCD thoughts. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4251063 Sat, 11 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4251063 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4252997&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2010%2F12%2F13%2Fcoping-with-ocd-and-depression.htm If you have OCD, you probably know that you are at a greater risk for developing other forms of mental illness. One of the most common mental illnesses to occur with OCD is major depressive disorder. Unfortunately, the presence of depression can often have a negative impact on the treatment of OCD symptoms. Have your OCD symptoms made you feel depressed from time to time? If so, what have you found effective for dealing with symptoms of depression? (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4252997 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4252997 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4233011&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Fglossary%2Fg%2FDefintion-Of-Major-Depressive-Disorder.htm Major depressive disorder is more than having the blues or feeling sad -- it is a serious mental illness that usually requires medical and psychological treatment. To be diagnosed with major depressive disorder, you have to experience a sad or depressed mood or lose interest in things that used to be enjoyable for most of the day, nearly every day for at least two weeks. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4233011 Mon, 06 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4233011 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4245213&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2010%2F12%2F09%2Fcoping-when-a-family-member-is-a-hoarder.htm Although the clutter and squalor caused by hoarding often does not bother the hoarder themselves, it can be very frustrating and distressing for family members. Among the most distressing aspects of hoarding for family members is the lack of insight the hoarder often has into the consequences of their hoarding -- even when threatened with legal action, eviction, or losing custody of their children....Read Full Post (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4245213 Fri, 03 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4245213 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4225057&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Ftreatment%2Ff%2FWhat-Are-The-Fda-Approved-Ocd-Medications.htm There are a number of medications that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of OCD. Most of these drugs belong to a class of antidepressant called the selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors. FDA-approved OCD medications include... (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4225057 Fri, 03 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4225057 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4225056&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2010%2F12%2F03%2Fthe-brains-of-people-with-ocd-may-be-poorly-insulated.htm A study published in the Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience reports that people with OCD may have abnormal myelination of neurons in specific brains regions.  Myelination is a process whereby the body creates of a layer of fat around a neuron which acts like insulation on a wire.  This insulation helps to improve signal transmission between neurons.  Although the clinical significance of this study is not yet known, it is yet another step towards understanding the causes of OCD.  Knowing the causes of OCD is essential for developing new treatments. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4225056 Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4225056 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4219607&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2010%2F12%2F01%2Focd-patients-prefer-a-combination-of-medication-and-psychotherapy.htm An interesting study just published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry has shed light on the types of treatment for OCD preferred by patients.  In this survey, it was found that most patients preferred a combination of medication (e.g., SSRI) and psychotherapy rather than treatment with medication or psychotherapy alone.  Not surprisingly, deep brain stimulation was the least preferred novel treatment for OCD. Patients also indicated that their previous experience with treatment, worries about medications and concerns about how to manage the demands (e.g., time, cost,  homework) of specific treatments shaped their preference of one OCD treatment over another....Read Full Post (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4219607 Thu, 25 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4219607 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4200491&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2010%2F11%2F25%2Fparenting-a-child-with-ocd-6.htm Parenting is one of the hardest jobs you'll ever have - especially when your child has a chronic illness like OCD.  While it can sometimes feel overwhelming, many parents develop excellent coping strategies for managing both their child's OCD symptoms as well as their own stress levels. If you are the parent of a child with OCD, what coping strategies have you found to be helpful? (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4200491 Mon, 22 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4200491 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4189992&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Fsymptomsanddiagnosis%2Ff%2FWhat-Are-The-Signs-Of-Obsessive-Compulsive-Disorder.htm Obsessive-compulsive disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent symptoms. Read on to learn more about the signs of obsessive compulsive disorder. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4189992 Mon, 22 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4189992 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4189991&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2010%2F11%2F22%2Fone-third-of-people-with-ocd-are-clinically-depressed.htm A study appearing in the latest edition of the journal Comprehensive Psychiatry has found that at any given time, about one-third of people diagnosed with OCD currently meet diagnostic criteria for major depression.  If life-time incidence of depression is taken into account, this figure rises to over two-thirds.  Identifying and treating depression in individuals with OCD is essential as the symptoms of depression often make the symptoms of OCD more difficult to cope with and treatment less successful....Read Full Post (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4189991 Thu, 18 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4189991 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4175540&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Fglossary%2Fg%2FInflation-Of-Responsibility.htm Inflation of responsibility is a cognitive distortion common in OCD in which you over estimate your responsibility for an event and discount, ignore or underestimate other plausible influences. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4175540 Wed, 17 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4175540 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4175539&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Fwhatisocd%2Ff%2FWhat-Are-Common-Obsessive-Behaviors.htm A key symptom of OCD are compulsions. Compulsions are obsessive behaviors that you repeat over and over again (often for hours on end) to relieve anxiety. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4175539 Wed, 17 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4175539 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4167853&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Fwhatisocd%2Ff%2FWhat-Are-Common-Ocd-Thoughts.htm A core OCD symptom is obsessions, which are unwanted, distressing, and uncontrollable thoughts that are often of a disturbing nature. Common OCD thoughts include obsessions related to a variety of themes. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4167853 Mon, 15 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4167853 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4183198&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2010%2F11%2F18%2Fcyberchondria.htm The term "cyberchondria" has received quite a bit of attention lately - essentially, this term has come to characterize compulsive and excessive use of the internet for self-diagnosis of illness.  Of course, without the benefit of formal medical training, many so-called "cyberchondriacs" often self-diagnose themselves as having serious illnesses such as cancer on the basis of ambiguous, vague or harmless symptoms.  Although not a great deal of research has been done on the subject, it is likely that "cyberchondria" simply reflects a specific behavior related to the mental disorder, hypochondriasis.  People with hypochondriasis will often pour over medical books, surf the internet and consult excessively with physicians in an often fruitless search for reassurance that they do not have a... About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4183198 Thu, 11 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4183198 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4155057&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Fglossary%2Fg%2FDefinition-Of-Rtms.htm Repetitive TMS is a relatively non-invasive procedure used to treat symptoms of mental illness, like OCD. 
 (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4155057 Thu, 11 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4155057 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4159047&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2010%2F11%2F11%2Fhow-do-you-cope-with-stress.htm If you have OCD, you know that one of the biggest triggers of OCD symptoms is stress. While there are a number of ways that people choose to cope with stress, not all coping strategies are equally effective -- in fact, some can do more harm than good. What are your top stress busters? Share your experience. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4159047 Wed, 10 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4159047 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4151476&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Ftreatment%2Fa%2FOcd-Help.htm There are a number of mental health professionals who can provide quality OCD help. The type of OCD help provided often varies by professional. If you are receiving treatment for OCD within a hospital setting or an intensive OCD treatment program, you are likely to encounter almost all of the professionals listed below. Learn more about providers of OCD help. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4151476 Wed, 10 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4151476 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4139116&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Fglossary%2Fg%2FOverestimation-Of-Threat.htm Overestimation of threat is a cognitive error that is common in OCD. People who have OCD often overestimate the potential for danger and the consequences of making a mistake or not doing something perfectly. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4139116 Fri, 05 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4139116 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4155056&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2010%2F11%2F10%2Ftreatment-for-ocd-changes-the-brain.htm A study published in the journal Psychiatry Research suggests that both psychological and medical treatment of OCD changes the activity level of specific brain regions.  Namely, after treatment with either behavior therapy or medication, individuals who responded either type of treatment showed increased activity in an area of the brain known as the caudate nucleus; an area of the brain thought to be critically involved in causing symptoms of OCD.  It should be noted that many other studies have found the opposite pattern of activity among people who have responded to treatment; the authors speculate that this could be because of the atypical nature of the participants used in the study. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4155056 Thu, 04 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4155056 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4133424&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2010%2F11%2F02%2Focd-symptoms-may-make-psychosis-worse.htm A study appearing in the journal Acta psychiatrica Scandinavica has found that OCD symptoms may worsen the outcome of psychosis experienced early in life.  Specifically, in this study which followed individuals over a number of years, it was found that onset and severity of symptoms of psychosis was earlier and higher if the first signs of psychosis were accompanied by OCD symptoms.  The authors of the study suggest that the co-occurrence of OCD and psychosis may reflect a more potent form of psychotic illness. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4133424 Tue, 02 Nov 2010 19:59:27 +0100 4133424 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4133423&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2010%2F11%2F04%2Fsevere-ocd-symptoms-related-to-depression-anxiety-and-suicide.htm A recent study appearing in the Journal of Clinical Nursing builds on a large body of evidence to suggest that individuals with severe symptoms of OCD experience depression, thoughts of suicide and anxiety at a much higher rate than those individuals with less severe types of OCD.  Although perhaps an obvious conclusion, the co-occurrence of depression and other anxiety disorders with OCD remains a clinically important issue as their presence often complicates treatment and predicts worse treatment outcomes. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4133423 Tue, 02 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4133423 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4118519&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Fglossary%2Fg%2FWhat-Is-Perfectionism.htm Research on perfectionism has indicated that there are two main types: adaptive or healthy perfectionism and maladaptive or unhealthy perfectionism. Learn the definition of perfectionism. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4118519 Thu, 28 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4118519 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4118518&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2010%2F10%2F27%2Fgroup-therapy-is-as-effective-individual-therapy-for-ocd.htm A study recently published in the journal Acta psychiatrica Scandinavica found that group therapy for OCD was just as effective in reducing OCD symptoms as individual therapy.  This is an important finding as group therapy for OCD is often more cost-effective for patients than individual therapy and creates access to social support from people who understand what it is like to struggle with OCD.  In addition, many clients report that group therapy helps to keep them on track by keeping them accountable. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4118518 Tue, 19 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4118518 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4073851&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38360&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Fglossary%2Fg%2FHoarding_Glos.htm Pathological or compulsive hoarding is a specific type of behavior characterized by acquiring and failing to throw out a large number of items that would appear to have little or no value to others (e.g., papers, notes, flyers, newspapers, clothes), severe cluttering of the person’s home so that it is no longer able to function as a viable living space and significant distress or impairment of work or social life. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4073851 Fri, 15 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4073851 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4097629&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2010%2F10%2F20%2Fthis-weeks-episode-of-hoarders.htm This week's episode of Hoarders illustrated the serious impact of depression on hoarding and hoarding treatment. Tami, who is struggling with incurable cancer, described how she first "traded" her depression for hoarding but that this soon created a vicious cycle with her hoarding causing her to feel even more depressed.  Tami's overall insight was far better than most hoarders but she still struggled with profound feelings of loss and anger that are common among those who hoard; these feelings were only amplified by the depression she described experiencing. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4097629 Wed, 13 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4097629 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4073850&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2010%2F10%2F14%2Ftrauma-is-associated-with-hoarding.htm A recent study in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders found that people with and without OCD who hoard are much more likely to have experienced traumatic life events than those people with OCD who do not engage in hoarding.  Importantly, about half of those participants who indicated that they hoard identified stressful life events as playing a large role in the onset of their hoarding.  Hoarding may reflect a maladaptive coping strategy in the face of stress and hoarding treatments may have to incorporate treatment of past traumas in order to be effective. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4073850 Wed, 06 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4073850 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4036414&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Fotheranxietydisorders%2Ff%2FWhat-Is-Compulsive-Shopping-Disorder.htm Although it's not officially described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), it has been suggested that compulsive shopping disorder is a type of impulse control disorder. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4036414 Tue, 05 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4036414 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4040391&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2010%2F10%2F07%2Fdeep-brain-stimulation-may-help-treatment-resistant-ocd.htm A recent study appearing in the prestigious journal Archives of General Psychiatry suggests that deep brain stimulation may be an effective and safe treatment for OCD that has not responded to more conventional forms of treatment.  Indeed, in this clinical trial over half of patients who received the treatment were considered responders with an average 70% decrease in OCD symptoms.  These results hold great promise for the development of new and more effective treatments for OCD. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4040391 Mon, 04 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4040391 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4036413&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2010%2F10%2F05%2Fcompulsive-shopping-featured-on-hoarders.htm Yesterday's episode of Hoarders featured a case of compulsive shopping disorder in which Margree had been compulsively buying and hoarding for a number of years.  Although it's not officially described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), it has been suggested that compulsive shopping disorder, also known as compulsive buying disorder, is a type of impulse control disorder. The characteristics of compulsive shopping disorder include preoccupation with shopping for unneeded items; spending a great deal of time doing research on coveted items and/or shopping for unneeded items; difficulty resisting the purchase of unneeded items; financial difficulties because of uncontrolled shopping; and finally, problems at work, school or home because of uncontrolled shopp... About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4036413 Sat, 02 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4036413 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4025570&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Flivingwithoc1%2Fa%2FUnderstanding-Ocd-And-Stress.htm If you have OCD, you know that stress is major trigger of OCD symptoms and can often get in the way of treatment for OCD. As such, it is vital to understand what stress is and how to cope with it. Let’s explore stress and how to best manage it. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4025570 Fri, 01 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4025570 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4027030&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2010%2F10%2F03%2Foctober-3-to-9-2010-is-mental-illness-awareness-week.htm This week is Mental Illness Awareness Week.  This is an excellent time to reflect on not only the challenges faced by individuals with mental illness such as OCD, but also the considerable strength and resilience that it requires to live day-to-day with a chronic illness. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4027030 Thu, 30 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4027030 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4012881&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Ftypesofocd%2Fa%2FAnimal-Hoarding.htm Many people enjoy the company of pets. While most pet owners provide excellent care to one or two animals at most, for some people, the desire to keep animals as pets crosses the line into a compulsive behavior called animal hoarding. Let’s explore the basics of animal hoarding. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4012881 Tue, 28 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4012881 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4022754&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2010%2F10%2F01%2Fact-may-be-effective-for-reducing-ocd-symptoms.htm A study just published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology examined whether acceptance and commitment therapy or ACT would be effective in reducing OCD symptom severity in comparison to progressive relaxation training.  The investigators found that patients who were treated with 8 sessions of ACT showed greater decreases in symptoms of OCD and depression than those who received the relaxation training.  People treated with ACT also had a slightly better increase in quality of life.  These findings build on a growing body of work which suggests that ACT is an effective treatment for OCD. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4022754 Mon, 27 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4022754 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4012880&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2010%2F09%2F28%2Fanimal-hoarding-featured-on-hoarders.htm Yesterday's episode of Hoarders featured a disturbing case of animal hoarding in which Vula had been keeping over 30 sick cats in her home under appalling conditions.  Animal hoarding is characterized by the obsessive collecting of animals, an inability to provide minimal standards of care for these animals and a failure to recognize that one is not able to provide minimal standards of care.  As is often the case in animal hoarding, Vula's home was slowly destroyed by the accumulation of animal feces and infestation by insects.  Another common characteristic of animal hoarding  demonstrated by Vula was her refusal  to take responsibility for the death of animals in her home - so much so that dead animals had begun to accumulate in her house.  As in other forms of compulsive hoarding,... About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4012880 Wed, 22 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4012880 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3998806&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2010%2F09%2F23%2Fpredicting-reponse-to-treatment-in-children-with-ocd.htm In this study, children with OCD were randomly assigned to receive either sertraline, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), both sertraline and CBT or a pill placebo.  They found that youth with OCD who had lower OCD symptom severity, less OCD-related functional impairment, greater insight into the impact of symptoms, and whose families were less accommodating to symptoms showed the greatest improvement in symptoms across all types of treatment.  Interestingly, patients with a family history of OCD responded much better to CBT than did those without a family history of OCD. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3998806 Mon, 20 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3998806 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3986907&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Ftreatment%2Fa%2FOcd-Self-Help.htm Although treatment for OCD usually entails consulting with a qualified mental health professional, there are a number of OCD self help strategies that you can start using right now to help cope with your OCD symptoms. Let's explore the basics of OCD self help. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3986907 Sun, 19 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3986907 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3993501&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2010%2F09%2F21%2Fyesterdays-episode-of-hoarders.htm Watching yesterday's episode of Hoarders reinforces the point that mental disorders such as hoarding do not typically appear out of the blue; rather, they often emerge when someone with a particular vulnerability encounters stressful circumstances and is not able to cope effectively.  In Penny's case, the stressor that triggered her hoarding was the death of her mother.  The death of her mother led to her becoming depressed which only worsened her hoarding.  Of course, her hoarding may have acted as an unhelpful coping strategy.  Penny's case also shows the effect that depression can have on the symptoms of mental illness; depression makes the symptoms of just about every form of physical and mental illness worse and often that much more difficult to treat. (Source: About.com Obsessive... About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3993501 Wed, 15 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3993501 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3976395&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2010%2F09%2F16%2Ftopamax-may-improve-the-effectiveness-of-ssris-for-some-ocd-symptoms.htm Research suggests that up to 60% of people with OCD do not respond to, or unable to tolerate treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).  A recent study in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry examined whether adding the anticonvulsant drug Topamax to ongoing treatment with an SSRI would be more effective in reducing OCD symptoms than treatment with an SSRI alone.  Using a double-blind, placebo controlled design the investigators found that adding Topamax to the standard SSRI treatment regimen improved treatment for compulsions but not obsessions. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3976395 Sun, 12 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3976395 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3965299&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2010%2F09%2F13%2Ftonights-episode-of-hoarders.htm Watching tonight's episode of Hoarders two things jumped out at me - the first was the excellent demonstration of Ken's profound lack of insight into the severity of his hoarding as well as his resistance to hoarding treatment.  As can be common in hoarding, when the psychologist went through his home and pointed out potential concerns related to the obviously unsanitary conditions of his residence (e.g., mold, rotten food, flies etc.), he minimized each of her concerns without hesitation.  This, despite the obvious and objective costs associated with his hoarding including the loss of close relationships with his son, daughter and wife.  Ken's lack of insight is going to make it very difficult to sustain any gains made in treatment....Read Full Post (Source: About.com Obsessive Compuls... About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3965299 Tue, 07 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3965299 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3946359&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2010%2F09%2F08%2Fd-cycloserine-and-cbt-in-pediatric-ocd.htm Psychotherapy is highly effective in treating OCD symptoms. However, psychotherapy does not always work for everyone. Given this, there has been a lot of interest in identifying ways that psychotherapy can be made both more effective. One possibility may be to augment behavior therapy with medication. A medication that has generated a lot of interest in this respect is the drug D-cycloserine.  A study just published in the journal Biological Psychology examined whether D-cycloserine would improve the effectiveness of CBT in children with OCD.  Although the drug treated children who underwent CBT did not get significantly better than those did not take the drug,  there was a trend for them to show a slightly better improvement in symptoms.  While treatment with D-cycloserine is unlikely... About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3946359 Sun, 05 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3946359 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3935743&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Fotheranxietydisorders%2Fa%2FBeing-A-Pack-Rat-May-Be-A-Sign-Of-Hoarding.htm Many people describe themselves as a "pack rat" -- that is, someone who enjoys collecting items and does not like to throw things away. Although many self-confessed pack rats lead normal lives, acquiring and failing to throw out a large number of items that would appear to have little or no value to others could be a sign of compulsive hoarding, a behavior often associated with OCD. Let's explore when being a pack rat may be a sign of hoarding. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3935743 Sat, 04 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3935743 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3938263&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2010%2F09%2F06%2Fbreakdown-of-the-season-premiere-of-hoarders.htm Tonight's premiere of the third season of Hoarders was a powerful window into the impact of hoarding on families as well as the striking lack of insight that is common among people who hoard.  Both Adella and Teri had a very limited sense of the nature and scope of their problem which only served to elevate the frustration of  their families as well as those who were trying to help them - it is easy to see how a lack of insight is a major barrier to getting the most out of treatment and accessing badly needed social support.  In addition to the actual cleanup of their homes, I think it would have been helpful to have shown more of the therapy work that takes place before taking this very important step - this is often marks a major shift in the treatment of hoarding and many hoarders ne... About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3938263 Fri, 03 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3938263 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3934405&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2010%2F09%2F04%2Fnew-season-of-hoarders-starts-labour-day.htm On Monday, September 6, 2010, A&E will be launching the third season of its reality television show Hoarders which examines the real-life struggles of people affected by compulsive hoarding. Modeled after their popular show Intervention, this program will follow people who hoard as they undergo hoarding treatment. An excellent aspect of this show is its ability to illustrate the impact of hoarding on both the affected individual and their family.  I will be blogging about each of the episodes, and in addition, you can follow Hoarders on Facebook and Twitter. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3934405 Wed, 01 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3934405 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3929125&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Ffaqs%2Ff%2FFAQ_Therapist.htm Not surprisingly, study after study has confirmed that the better the relationship between you and your OCD therapist, the more you’ll benefit from therapy for OCD. Read more about the skills and qualities your OCD therapist should possess. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3929125 Wed, 01 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3929125 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3924743&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Fdiagnosis%2Fa%2FBeing-A-Germaphobe-Can-Be-An-Ocd-Symptom.htm Are your concerns about germs signs of OCD, or are you just a germaphobe? Find out. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3924743 Tue, 31 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3924743 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3929124&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2010%2F09%2F02%2Fdelaying-treatment-for-ocd-is-often-predictable.htm OCD is a chronic condition and the longer treatment for OCD is delayed, the worse the outcome.  A recent study in journal Comprehensive Psychiatry identified factors that predicted people putting off treatment for OCD. These included being single or divorced, poor insight into symptoms and having hoarding as an OCD symptom.  While there is currently no OCD cure, there are ways to cope and help is available. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3929124 Mon, 30 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3929124 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3913085&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Fglossary%2Fg%2FThought-Suppression.htm Thought suppression is the act of trying to ignore or control thoughts that we find threatening or distressing. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3913085 Fri, 27 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3913085 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3913084&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Fotheranxietydisorders%2Fa%2FOCD_related_disorders.htm If you have OCD, you probably know that there are a number of OCD related disorders. People with OCD seem to be at greater risk for developing these OCD related disorders. Importantly, the presence of another mental illness can affect both OCD symptoms and treatment. Let's learn more about OCD related disorders. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3913084 Fri, 27 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3913084 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3911501&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Ftreatment%2Fa%2FMotivational-Interviewing-Techniques-For-Ocd.htm Only 50% of people with OCD are able to benefit from exposure therapy. Research has been ongoing to find ways to make exposure therapy more attractive for more people. Motivational interviewing techniques show considerable promise in this respect. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3911501 Thu, 26 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3911501 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3911500&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Fcauses%2Fa%2FOcd-And-Perfectionism.htm OCD perfectionism has long been thought to play a role in the development and maintenance of OCD symptoms. Let’s explore how to cope with OCD perfectionism. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3911500 Thu, 26 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3911500 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3911499&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Flivingwithoc1%2Fa%2FOcd-And-Suicide.htm OCD is a chronic mental illness that is associated with significant disability and suffering. If a family member or friend with OCD is exhibiting the potential warning signs of suicide, it is important to know what to do. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3911499 Thu, 26 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3911499 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3920689&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2010%2F08%2F31%2Fanti-nausea-drug-may-help-ocd-symptoms.htm A study published in the journal Human Psychopharmacology has found that when combined Prozac, the anti-nausea drug Zofran may help to reduce OCD symptoms more than when Prozac is taken alone.  In this double-blined controlled trial, participants were given either Prozac plus Zofran or Prozac plus a placebo for 8 weeks.  At the end of the 8 weeks, participants who took the Prozac plus placebo combination had a greater reduction in OCD symptoms than those who took Prozac plus a placebo.  This type of OCD treatment strategy is similar to augmentation therapy in which standard OCD medications such as SSRIs are combined with antipsychotic medications for better effect.  (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3920689 Wed, 25 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3920689 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3907502&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2010%2F08%2F26%2Focd-in-children-and-adolescents-is-chronic.htm This study underscores the long-lasting nature of OCD, the importance of establishing a good long-term relationship with your OCD treatment provider and looking at the impact of treatments over time. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3907502 Mon, 23 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3907502 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3890436&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Ftreatment%2Fa%2FInvolving-Family-Members-In-Treatment.htm Although there are many effective psychological OCD treatments, these OCD treatments do not work for everyone. To make these OCD treatments more effective there is now an increased emphasis on integrating family members. Let’s explore integrating OCD treatment and family members. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3890436 Fri, 20 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3890436 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3890435&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Ftypesofocd%2Fa%2FChildhoodonset_OCD.htm Although many people think of OCD as a disorder that affects only adults, there are a similar percentage of OCD children. While there are many similarities between adult-onset and childhood-onset OCD, there are also many important differences. As well, some OCD children may have PANDAS, may have causes that are unique to children. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3890435 Fri, 20 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3890435 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3890434&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Ftreatment%2Fa%2Ftreatment_OCD.htm Although OCD symptoms can be debilitating, the OCD treatment can be safe and effective. Find out more about OCD treatment. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3890434 Fri, 20 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3890434 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3899248&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2010%2F08%2F24%2Fdepression-makes-ocd-in-children-worse.htm A recent article in the Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology found that high levels of depression among children with OCD are associated with more severe cognitive distortions and OCD symptoms.  Studies such as these make a strong case for being proactive about identifying and treating depression in both adults and children who are affected by OCD.  Often, treatment for OCD and depression can be combined for maximum benefit. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3899248 Wed, 18 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3899248 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3866900&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Flivingwithoc1%2Fa%2FSexual-Obsessions-In-Ocd.htm A key OCD symptom is obsessions, which are thoughts, images or ideas that won’t go away, are unwanted, and are extremely distressing or worrying. Among the most troubling are sexual obsessions. Let’s explore more about sexual obsessions in OCD. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3866900 Fri, 13 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3866900 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3861867&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Ftreatment%2Fa%2FHoarding-Treatment.htm Compulsive hoarding is more than just having lots of things. It's a specific type of behavior that can have a severe impact on a person's life. Although hoarding treatment is often very difficult to undertake, new types of cognitive-behavior therapy offer hope. Learn more about hoarding treatment. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3861867 Wed, 11 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3861867 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3844774&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Fglossary%2Fg%2Fplaceo_glossary.htm A placebo is an inactive or inert substance or procedure that is used to control or account for the placebo effect in research evaluating new treatments. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3844774 Sun, 08 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3844774 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3885214&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2010%2F08%2F19%2Fpostpartum-ocd.htm New mothers often experience an array of emotions following the birth of a baby. However, for some woman, the postpartum period can trigger the onset of OCD symptoms. Have your OCD symptoms ever worsened following the birth of a child? If so, how did you cope and how were you treated? Help others learn how you coped. Share Your Experience (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3885214 Fri, 06 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3885214 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3833382&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2010%2F08%2F07%2Fhave-you-tried-alternative-therapies.htm Although there are currently a number of effective medical and psychological OCD treatments, these treatments don't work for everyone. Because of this, there has been a lot of interest in developing new OCD treatments or using new methods to improve the effectiveness of existing OCD treatments. Have you tried any alternative or experimental treatments for OCD? How did you find your alternative treatment provider and did you receive health coverage for the service? How was your decision received by your physician? (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3833382 Tue, 27 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3833382 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3786892&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Fglossary%2Fg%2FThought-Action-Fusion.htm Thought-action fusion is when you believe that simply thinking about an action is equivalent to actually carrying out that action. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3786892 Sat, 24 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3786892 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3798454&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2010%2F07%2F28%2Fcoping-with-stigma-3.htm If you have OCD, you know that the stigma attached to mental illness can make it difficult to cope. Even though it is clear that OCD has biological roots, there are people who continue to believe that people challenged with mental illness should be able to "snap out of it." Have you ever been discriminated against or stigmatized because of your OCD? What happened and how did you cope with it? (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3798454 Fri, 23 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3798454 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3764098&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Ftreatment%2Fa%2FCbt-For-Ocd.htm Individual CBT for OCD is very effective but also very expensive. To cut down on costs, if you are accessing OCD treatment through a hospital or other health care settings you are now very likely to receive or have the option to receive group CBT for OCD symptoms. Although a group setting can initially be intimidating, there are lots of benefits to participating in group CBT for OCD. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3764098 Sat, 17 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3764098 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3762875&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Fcauses%2Fa%2FCognitive-Disortions-And-Ocd.htm Although OCD is complex illness with many causes and risk-factors, understanding the psychological factors that cause and maintain OCD symptoms such as cognitive distortions is essential. It is now clear that OCD is characterized by a number of errors in thinking or so-called cognitive distortions that can potentially lead to obsessions and compulsions. Learn more about cognitive distortions and OCD. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3762875 Fri, 16 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3762875 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3786106&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2010%2F07%2F24%2Fwhen-did-your-ocd-symptoms-start-2.htm Although symptoms of OCD can begin at almost any age, research suggests that there are two distinct periods when OCD symptoms are most likely to appear. The first occurs around the ages of 10 to 12 or just before puberty, and the second is between the ages of 18 to 23. When did your OCD symptoms first begin? Share Your Experience (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3786106 Thu, 15 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3786106 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3761348&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2010%2F07%2F16%2Fwhat-is-your-diagnosis.htm Although OCD is accepted as an illness with biological roots, it can't be diagnosed using a blood sample, X-ray or other medical test. A mental health professional such as a psychiatrist, psychologist or family doctor or nurse with special training will usually make a diagnosis of OCD using their medical judgment and experience. However, it is not uncommon for people with mental illnesses such as OCD to receive many diagnoses before arriving the right one. How many diagnoses have you received? Share your experience (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3761348 Wed, 07 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3761348 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3718275&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Fglossary%2Fg%2FStress.htm is major trigger of OCD symptoms. Stress is often thought about from three different perspectives: an event, a reaction or a transaction. Learn the definition of stress. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3718275 Wed, 30 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3718275 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3736948&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38358&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fb%2F2010%2F07%2F08%2Fpostpartum-onset-ocd.htm New mothers often experience an array of emotions following the birth of a baby. However, for some woman, the postpartum period can trigger the onset of OCD symptoms. Have your OCD symptoms ever worsened following the birth of a child? If so, how did you cope and how were you treated? Help others learn how you coped. Share Your Experience (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3736948 Tue, 29 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3736948 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3702869&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Fglossary%2Fg%2Fmindfulness_glossary.htm Originating in eastern spiritual traditions such as Buddhism, mindfulness emphasizes a non-judgmental awareness of bodily sensations, sights, sounds, thoughts and emotions. Mindfulness is one of the cornerstones of a behavior therapy called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy or ACT. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3702869 Sat, 26 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3702869 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3702868&cid=s_38358_172_f&fid=38359&url=http%3A%2F%2Focd.about.com%2Fod%2Fotheranxietydisorders%2Fa%2FOCD_related_disorders.htm If you have OCD, you probably know that there are a number of related disorders. People with OCD seem to be at greater risk for developing other kinds of related disorders. Importantly, the presence of another mental illness can affect both OCD symptoms and treatment. Let's explore more about OCD and related disorders. (Source: About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) About.com Obsessive Compulsive Disorder news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3702868 Sat, 26 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3702868