Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent unwelcome thoughts, or intrusive images that require adjustments in behavior (compulsions) in order to reduce the inner sense of tension. It is often associated with depression or panic disorder and occurs frequently in Tourette Syndrome and less commonly in ADHD/ADD.

Common compulsive behaviors include hand washing, ordering, arranging and checking. Repetitive, driven mental acts may include counting, praying, word repetition to an extent that is unreasonable and considered out of context.

Anxiety may arise from repeated thoughts of harm coming to a loved one or accidentally hitting a pedestrian with your car, fear of contamination from germs or of acquiring an illness such as cancer, AIDS, etc.

Compulsive behaviors may result in examining the body for signs of illness or avoiding certain colors, numbers, etc., while recognizing that this is irrational, but not feeling able to resist doing so.

How can Dr. Kohn help you?

Dr. Kohn uses a variety of evaluation forms and both Assessment and Treatment Tools in his Practice. He uses a Holistic view of the patient and the problem. Dr. Kohn uses a Biological-Psychological-Social framework to assess your symptoms because he knows that the proper diagnosis leads to proper treatment.

Obsessive Compulsive treatment:
Correct medicine is a fundamental part of successful treatment.

Individual therapy is the next step in treatment once medications have reduced anxiety. This process involves creating new strategies for modifying repetitive, unwanted thoughts. Habit-reversing training and cognitive behavior treatment are two specific techniques that a well-trained psychologist or therapist uses in the treatment plan.

Since anxiety disorders are frequently genetically based, the spectrum of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is often expressed within families. The set of odd behaviors and frightening internal thoughts that occur with this condition may be noticeable within other family members, yet may go undiagnosed or incorrectly be attributed to false assumptions.

Once there is a correct diagnosis, the opportunity to identify other family members with anxiety features improves the overall treatment within the social framework. Undiagnosed and untreated, the encroachment and impact on the social level of this condition limits the liklihood for a successful treatment plan.