Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Abstract

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is the most debilitating and severe anxiety disorder. It occurs in 2% of the population and has significant effects, both for individuals diagnosed with OCD and their families. OCD shares similarities with other OC-related disorders, including tic disorders and Tourette's syndrome, trichotillomania, skin picking, BDD, and hypochondriasis. Individuals with OCD also often have comorbid mood, anxiety, and personality disorder diagnoses, which may affect treatment response. Various models of OCD have been proposed, including biological, behavioral, and cognitive that have resulted in various treatments. The most efficacious treatments to date are behavioral (exposure and response prevention) and pharmacological. Cognitive and mindfulness-based therapies may also be beneficial in conjunction with these well-established treatments or possibly as stand-alone treatments, although more research is necessary.