Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that includes impairments in cognition and thinking as well as an affect on impulses and behavior. A person with OCD may experience rumination or obsessional thoughts and repeated patterns of behaviors or actions that they feel they are unable to control. Some people with OCD experience intrusive thoughts and as a result participate in atypical activities to soothe their discomfort. OCD is an egodystonic disorder meaning that people with OCD know they have it and most likely want to get rid of it.

People who experience OCD often find that their symptoms negatively impact their quality of life and impair their ability to participate in day to day activities. To evaluate the severity of a mental health condition and to help diagnose disorders, The American Psychiatric Association developed a measurement tool called The Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale which provides information on the extent to which symptoms impact daily functioning. Psychological disorders are defined and often characterized by their impact on behavior and activities of daily living. It’s important to note that experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition does not necessarily mean that a psychological disorder is present.

The term ‘disorder’ is used to describe a persistent or chronic state of dysfunction or disease that has negative affects on someone’s quality of life or wellbeing. For example, a person with OCD may repeatedly experience a worry or fixation that leads them to engage in grooming behavior to the point of injury and health risk. 

​OCD, and other psychological illnesses, are classified as mental disorders due to the presence of co-occurring symptoms, underlying neurobiology, severity of symptoms, and their overall impact on a persons ability to function independently. 

If you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition or you would like an evaluation for OCD please visit www.TherapywithRaquel.com for more information. 

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Raquel Buchanan is a Licensed Therapist (LMFT #118976) in Palm Springs, Ca. Raquel offers therapy and counseling services to individuals, families, and children. For more information on mental health services please call (818) 839-2032 or send an email to Raquel.MFTx@gmail.com