Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

by

Jeannette M. Reid, Andrea M. Nave, Katherine B. Crowe, Dean McKay

• LAST REVIEWED: 30 January 2014
• LAST MODIFIED: 30 January 2014
• DOI: 10.1093/obo/9780199828340-0145

Introduction

This article begins with a review of the diagnosis, symptom manifestations, and epidemiology of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It then covers the disorder’s assessment. Following is a review of cognitive-behavioral models regarding both the development and treatment of OCD, as well as a review of biological models. Lastly, the article deals with obsessive-compulsive related disorders, which are part of a new category, Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders, in the fifth edition of the American Psychiatric Association’s (APA) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

Reference Resources

Key online resources are the official website of the International OCD Foundation and the National Institute of Mental Health’s Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, OCD page.

• International OCD Foundation.

  The official website of the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF), it contains information for professionals and individuals with OCD and related disorders. Included are materials on how to find proper treatment, support groups, and local affiliates of the Foundation.

• “Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, OCD.” In National Institute of Mental Health.

  Published by the National Institute of Mental Health, this online mental health resource describes in layman’s terms the nature and hypothesized causes of OCD, as well as information on the empirically supported treatments available for the condition.