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Obsessive - Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
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OCD affects 2 to 3 percent of the U.S. population (about 5 million people). There is a tendency for OCD to run in families. If untreated, OCD is usually chronic and may produce considerable disability. Fortunately, in the last few years, clinical research has led to major advances in the treatment of OCD. Many individuals first display OCD as children. Approximately twice as many boys suffer from OCD as girls. Boys with OCD have an increased risk of tic disorders. Children with OCD may be identified in the classroom when they repetitively check answers to math questions, re-read sentences/paragraphs despite understanding them or wash hands/belongings excessively. At home, children with OCD may repeatedly ask for reassurance (i.e. "Will I die if I touch the soap?"), wash, count or arrange. They may also worry excessively about germs, disasters and household accidents. Our clinic treats OCD with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and/or medication. While Dr. Walsh conducts both therapy and medication evaluations/ follow-ups, Sarah Harris, LCSW, MSSW, provides therapy. Therapy may include exposure to the feared obsession while blocking the want to carry out the compulsion. Medication and/or CBT can lead to significant clinical improvement in about 70 percent of cases. |
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