OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER

OCD: Signs and Symptoms

Obsessions or compulsions that are not due to medical illness or drug use Obsessions or compulsions that cause major distress or interfere with everyday life There are many types of obsessions and compulsions. These can be physically doing things (behaviors) or doing them in the head (mental acts). Examples include: Checking and rechecking actions (such […]

Manage Bipolar Disorder Through Mindfulness

Dramatic shifts in mood and energy can create havoc in the lives of those with bipolar disorder. It can be tough to hold down a job, manage everyday responsibilities, manage symptoms and maintain relationships, even if you’re taking medications or involved in therapy. That’s what prompted William Marchand, MD, to explore the value of mindfulness […]

What is OCD?

What is OCD, or obsessive-compulsive disorder? It’s an anxiety disorder that can result in both obsessions and compulsions that may keep you from living your life the way you want to. As the National Institute of Mental Health says, “Everyone double checks things sometimes. For example, you might double check to make sure the stove […]

Intrusive Thoughts

Are intrusive thoughts distracting you? Actually, everyone experiences intrusive thoughts off and on; it’s when they become so frequent that they disrupt your ability to manage your daily activities and life responsibilities that you may need to explore things a bit further. Intrusive thoughts that are ongoing and feel unmanageable may be a sign of […]

Autism

Definition Autism is a developmental disorder that appears in the first 3 years of life, and affects the brain’s normal development of social and communication skills. Alternative Names Pervasive developmental disorder – autism; Autistic spectrum disorder Causes, incidence, and risk factors Autism is a physical condition linked to abnormal biology and chemistry in the brain. […]

Moving Toward

Moving Toward At front and center stage of Buddhist psychology is mindfulness: moment-to-moment non-judgmental awareness. By bringing neutral observation to life, the habitual tendency to categorize into good versus bad or like versus dislike gives way to open exploration, understanding, and wisdom. Mindfulness is to know and see things as they are arising and passing. […]

Go Ahead and Ask: Food Obsessions

Question: My daughter with autism is 14 and non-verbal. Over the past few years, her obsessive-compulsive behaviors have become more of a problem— particularly around issues of food, hoarding, over-eating, etc. We have tried locking the food in cabinets and in the refrigerator. Unfortunately, it has been hard for us to be consistent in locking up […]

ASD Symptoms’ Impact on Student’s Educational Performance

How can behaviors associated with ASD impact a student’s educational performance? We suggest that the concept of “impact on a student’s educational performance” can be thought about by considering these 4 aspects of the public education experience which are highly valued in IDEA and other relevant legislation and policies: Health/Safety Some features of ASD pose […]

What Causes It?

Genes. Currently, many scientists are focusing on genes that play a role in creating fear memories. Understanding how fear memories are created may help to refine or find new interventions for reducing the symptoms of PTSD. For example, PTSD researchers have pinpointed genes that make: Stathmin, a protein needed to form fear memories. In one […]

How Can It Be Treated

OCD is treated using a combination of medication and behavioral therapy. Medicines used include antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers. Talk therapy (cognitive behavioral therapy; CBT) has been shown to be effective for this disorder. During therapy, the patient is exposed many times to a situation that triggers the obsessive thoughts, and learns to gradually tolerate […]

What Causes It?

Doctors do not know the exact cause of OCD. Factors that may play a role include head injury, infections, and abnormal function in certain areas of the brain. Genes (family history) seems to play a strong role. Most people who develop it show symptoms by age 30.