Obsessive-compulsive disorder


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Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Alternative Names

Obsessive-compulsive neurosis; OCD


Symptoms
  • Obsessions or compulsions that cause significant distress or interfere with everyday life
  • Obsessions or compulsions are not due to medical illness or drug use

The person usually recognizes that the behavior is excessive or unreasonable.


Signs and tests

The person's own description of the behavior usually leads to diagnosis of the disorder. A physical exam is performed to rule out physical causes, and a psychiatric evaluation is given to rule out other psychiatric disorders. Questionnaires, such as the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale, can help diagnosis OCD and track the progress of treatment.



Review Date: 05/08/2006
Reviewed By: Paul Ballas, D.O., Department of Psychiatry, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.


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