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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

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Abstract

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by persistent and intrusive thoughts, ideas, impulses, or images (obsessions) resulting in significant anxiety or distress, coupled with compulsions or rituals used to reduce this distress. According to the (DSM-V; American Psychiatric Association, 2013), common obsessions feature fears of contamination, self-doubts, desires to have things in a specific order, aggressive/horrific images of harming loved ones, and religiosity, or disturbing sexual imagery. Compulsions consist of repetitive behaviors and mental acts (i.e., mental compulsions) and commonly involve, but are not limited to, checking, repetition, and washing. They may also include repetitive motor movements that can appear tic-like, such as walking down the steps in a particular way or avoiding stepping on cracks or particular colors on the floor. According to Swedo and colleagues (1989), washing rituals constitute the most common symptom of childhood OCD, affecting more than 85 % of children diagnosed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Clinical Psychology Department, Suffolk University, Boston, MA, USA

    Carlos E. Rivera Villegas B.S., Marie-Christine André M.A. & Jose Arauz M.A.

  2. Clinical Psychology Department, Suffolk University, Harvard Medical School/McLean Hospital, Boston, MA, USA

    Lisa W. Coyne Ph.D.

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  1. Carlos E. Rivera Villegas B.S.
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  2. Marie-Christine André M.A.
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  3. Jose Arauz M.A.
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  4. Lisa W. Coyne Ph.D.
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Correspondence to Carlos E. Rivera Villegas B.S. .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Touro College, New York, New York, USA

    Rosemary Flanagan

  2. Innovative Psychological Solutions, Fairfax, Virginia, USA

    Korrie Allen

  3. Touro College, New York, New York, USA

    Eva Levine

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Villegas, C.E.R., André, MC., Arauz, J., Coyne, L.W. (2015). Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. In: Flanagan, R., Allen, K., Levine, E. (eds) Cognitive and Behavioral Interventions in the Schools. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-1972-7_7

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