Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a combination of unwanted thoughts and fears (obsessions) and repeated actions (compulsions) that are intended to reduce the anxiety that is generated. This symptomatology causes great discomfort to the person who suffers from it. It appears in childhood or adolescence, usually before the age of 25.
There are four groups of symptoms associated with OCD: 1) Thoughts of contamination, which generate behaviors of avoidance of exposure and/or constant washing. 2) Thoughts of constant doubt that compel repeated checking. 3) Intrusive thoughts of actions that the person considers reprehensible, such as sexual or aggressive behavior. 4) Thoughts related to the control of time that force behaviors of extreme slowness.
Diagnosis is clinical, through a structured interview conducted by a psychiatrist or psychologist.
Treatment usually includes "exposure and response prevention" behavioral therapy and medication.
- A Chinchilla, J. Correas, FJ Quintero, M Vega. Manual de urgencias psiquiátricas. Elsevier Masson. Cuadros obsesivos. Pág: 406-407.
- Guía de consulta de los diagnósticos del DSM-5. American Psychiatric association. Editorial Médica Panamericana. Trastorno Obsesivo Compulsivo y trastornos relacionados. Pág: 145-157.
