Abstract

OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER: AN OVERVIEW

Department of Pharmacy, Banasthali University, Banasthali, Rajasthan. India.

ABSTRACT

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder that centres on repetitive, fearful thoughts, termed as an obsession and a ritualistic, compulsive action. It affects children and adolescents as well as adults. The study found lifetime prevalence of 0.6% in India. This rate is considerably lower compared to the 2-3% rate reported in the European and North American studies. However, similar low rate ranging from 0.5-0.9% was observed in a study from Taiwan. Roughly one third to one half of adults with OCD reports a childhood onset of the disorder, which continues across the life span. The development of treatments that work better and faster is a major goal of ongoing research. First-line treatments for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) – cognitive behaviour therapy, drug therapy with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), or both – are quite effective for many patients. However, approximately one third of patients do not experience a significant reduction in symptoms from these treatments, or from established second-line interventions. Questionnaires, such as the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (YBOCS), can help diagnose OCD and track the progress of treatment. With treatment and self-help strategies, one can break free of the unwanted thoughts and irrational urges and take back control of their life.

Keywords: obsession, ritualistic, patients.