Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder consists of thinking too much (obsessions) and doing things to stop the obsessive thoughts (compulsions). If you have OCD, as it's called, you may have persistent, unwelcome thoughts or images, or an urgent need to engage in certain rituals. Some people have just the obsessions without the compulsions.
Some people with OCD are obsessed with germs or dirt, so they wash your hands over and over. Many people with OCD feel the need to check things repeatedly - checking over and over that their doors are locked or that the oven is off, for example. Some are preoccupied by thoughts of violence or fear that they will harm friends or relatives. Some people spend long periods of time touching things or counting.
Some medications, such as clomipramine and fluoxetine, have been used to treat OCD. Behavioral therapy and some cognitive behavioral therapies can also be helpful.
There are actually two different obsessive compulsive disorders. Obsessive compulsive personality disorder is a somewhat milder disorder that affects many aspects of a person's life.
Read more about both obsessive compulsive disorders
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating condition that follows a terrifying event. If you ohave PTSD you probably have have persistent frightening thoughts and memories of their ordeal and feel emotionally numb. PTSD was once once referred to as "shell shock" or "combat fatigue." It was first called PTSD after the Viet Nam war, but it can result from any number of traumatic incidents. PTSD can occur follwing any life-threatening event. It has been found following kidnappinga, serious accidents such as car or train wrecks, natural disasters such as floods or earthquakes, violent attacks such as a mugging, rape, or torture, or being held captive. The event that triggers it may be something that threatened the person's life or the life of someone close to him or her. It could be something witnessed, such as mass destruction after a plane crash or natural disaster.
Read more information about PTSD
Social Phobia (Social Anxiety Disorder) and Specific Phobias
Last updated 11/10/05
