Abstract
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a brain disorder characterized by unwanted and repetitive thoughts that cause intense worry (called obsessions) and/or by repetitive behaviors that patients perform to try to relieve the suffering caused by obsessions (called compulsions). Treatments exist and include medication and psychotherapy (therapeutic conversations between a professional and the patient). New treatments using electromagnetic stimulation and/or a technique of real-time brain imaging are also being developed. In this article, we will describe the symptoms of this disorder, its causes, and the different treatments available. Learning about this disorder is very important, so that we will be able to identify and treat it appropriately.
Highlights
AGE: Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a brain disorder characterized by unwanted and repetitive thoughts that cause intense worry and/or by repetitive behaviors that patients perform to try to relieve the su ering caused by obsessions
Antidepressants act by decreasing obsessions and their related anxiety, while psychotherapy helps patients to learn how to resist to compulsions
The new treatments being tested include the electromagnetic stimulation of specific brain regions, and feedback using real-time brain imaging to provide the patients with information about the activation of the brain regions involved in Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and new forms of psychotherapy, such as online psychotherapy or group psychotherapy (Figure )
Summary
AGE: Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a brain disorder characterized by unwanted and repetitive thoughts that cause intense worry (called obsessions) and/or by repetitive behaviors that patients perform to try to relieve the su ering caused by obsessions (called compulsions). Treatments exist and include medication and psychotherapy (therapeutic conversations between a professional and the patient). We will describe the symptoms of this disorder, its causes, and the di erent treatments available. Learning about this disorder is very important, so that we will be able to identify and treat it appropriately. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a brain disorder a ecting – % of the population worldwide. It a ects men and women kids.frontiersin.org
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