3 ARTICLES RELATED TO DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER (OCD)
THE FIRST DESCRIBES THE COMMON SYMPTOMS OF OCD, THE SECOND FOCUSES ON THE BIOLOGY OF OCD, AND THE THIRD (THOUGH OLDER) PRESENTS A PICTURE OF HOW RELATIONSHIPS ARE AFFECTED BY THE DISORDER.
ARTICLE #1
TITLE
What Does It Mean to Have OCD? These Are 5 Common Symptoms
DESCRIPTION
Many people claim to have Obsessive-Compulsive disorder but in reality “…the condition, marked by uncontrollable thoughts and behaviors, strikes about 2% of the general population.” OCD is classified in the DSM as one of forms of anxiety disorders. While many claim to have it, they probably do not meet all of the DSM criteria but rather show some of the common behaviors such as hand washing, germ worries, checking (doors and windows), occasional excessive worry. The article discusses, as the title states, 5 common symptoms — easy to understand. Further the end of the article discusses treatment in the form of medications but mostly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). A 2-minute brief video is included in the article.
SOURCE
Time, October 5, 2017, by Jeffrey Kluger
LINK TO RESOURCE
http://time.com/4955582/what-is-ocd-anxiety/
(Tiny URL) http://tinyurl.com/ybswzmck
ARTICLE #2
TITLE
OCD GENETIC LINK DISCOVERY RAISES HOPE OF PRECISION TREATMENT FOR DEBILITATING DISEASE
DESCRIPTION
Researchers have long searched for genetic links to mental illness. To clear up a misconception: heredity is due to one’s genetic inheritance however problems in the particular genetics of an individual may not be due to inheritance but to the particular way that a gene functions. Based on recent research studies, scientists are attempting to track down the particular genes that are responsible for OCD. “The findings from this new study may provide a way to treat OCD. Researchers hope the work will lead to drugs that target pathways linked to these specific genes.” Of course, class discussion should focus on the nature-nurture question around heritability and environmental influences.
SOURCE
Newsweek, October 17, 2017, by Jessica Firger
LINK TO RESOURCE
(Tiny URL) http://tinyurl.com/yd7u5nna
ARTICLE #3
TITLE
Marriage is tough enough without the added stress of OCD.
DESCRIPTION
How does OCD affect everyday life in a relationship? This article is included in this week’s Psychology Update because it focuses on what it is like to live with someone who has OCD. The author provides details and instances where a spouse’s OCD plays out in in various family and marital situations. The article is an interesting piece because it discusses OCD in real life. The end of the article presents a few research study references for students who would like to further understand the relational aspects of OCD.
SOURCE
Psychology Today, March 2013, by Monica T. Williams, Ph.D.
LINK TO RESOURCE
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/culturally-speaking/201303/help-i-m-married-ocd
(Tiny URL) http://tinyurl.com/okgg9os
CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
•What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder? If the DSM 5 is available, what are the criteria to be diagnosed with the actual disorder?
•What are the common symptoms? (In the discussion, ask students to “separate” obsessional symptoms from those of compulsions.)
•Is there a biological basis to the disorder?
•What are some of the common treatments?
•How can the disorder manifest itself in a relationship?
•Some classes permit/allow students to tell anecdotal stories either about themselves or others (family, friends, acquaintances, TV characters like Monk). If the professor is comfortable, then the professor can use part of the lecture for this type of discussion though it should be framed on the basis of data/facts.
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