Spring Break
OCD characteristics usually emerge early in life
Obsessive behaviors can continue throughout lifetime, may be debilitating, experts say
Ashley Dziuk
Issue date: 11/7/05 Section: Health
About 3.3 million Americans between the ages of 18 and 54 have an Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
This is about 2.5 percent of the population that will have some type of an OCD over their lifetime, said Mark Bjerke, a psychologist at Heinz Psychological Services, 826 S. Hastings Way.
Although this may be a small percentage of the population, it can affect the individuals who have OCD in a large way, he said.
Unlike other illnesses, OCD affects both men and women equally, according to NIMH. It also cost the United States $8.4 billion in 1990 in social and economic losses, which is nearly 6 percent of the total mental health bill of $148 billion.
Senior Jessica Dolens said she can't imagine what life would be like with an OCD.
"(OCDs) control your life in certain ways," she said. "It must become frustrating after awhile, but you can't stop doing them."
OCDs are considered to be on the anxiety spectrum of disorders, Bjerke said. Research highlights that brain abnormalities seem to cause OCDs.
"It tends to manifest itself primarily, initially with obsession, which is ruminating thoughts," he said. "The person suffering with OCD begins a pattern of compulsive, ritual behaviors that they believe will eliminate the internal, mental tensions that the obsession creates."
The pattern of obsessive and compulsive behaviors can dramatically magnify over time, especially when those behaviors go unchecked, Bjerke said.
"The more you do it," he said, "the more powerful the obsessions and compulsions become."
People should be aware that OCDs are different from specific phobias, Bjerke said. People with phobias engage in dramatic avoidance behaviors to control their anxiety, but OCDs have rituals to reduce tension.
This is about 2.5 percent of the population that will have some type of an OCD over their lifetime, said Mark Bjerke, a psychologist at Heinz Psychological Services, 826 S. Hastings Way.
| "The more you do it, the more powerful the obsessions and compulsions become." -Mark Bjerke Psychologistr |
Although this may be a small percentage of the population, it can affect the individuals who have OCD in a large way, he said.
Unlike other illnesses, OCD affects both men and women equally, according to NIMH. It also cost the United States $8.4 billion in 1990 in social and economic losses, which is nearly 6 percent of the total mental health bill of $148 billion.
Senior Jessica Dolens said she can't imagine what life would be like with an OCD.
"(OCDs) control your life in certain ways," she said. "It must become frustrating after awhile, but you can't stop doing them."
OCDs are considered to be on the anxiety spectrum of disorders, Bjerke said. Research highlights that brain abnormalities seem to cause OCDs.
"It tends to manifest itself primarily, initially with obsession, which is ruminating thoughts," he said. "The person suffering with OCD begins a pattern of compulsive, ritual behaviors that they believe will eliminate the internal, mental tensions that the obsession creates."
The pattern of obsessive and compulsive behaviors can dramatically magnify over time, especially when those behaviors go unchecked, Bjerke said.
"The more you do it," he said, "the more powerful the obsessions and compulsions become."
People should be aware that OCDs are different from specific phobias, Bjerke said. People with phobias engage in dramatic avoidance behaviors to control their anxiety, but OCDs have rituals to reduce tension.
Be the first to comment on this story