Abstract
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental illness characterized by
obsessions (intrusive, recurrent and persistent thoughts, urges, or impulses) and/or compulsions (repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed in
response to obsessions), causing significant distress and impairment in functioning (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Compulsions can include
hand washing, ordering/organizing, checking, praying, counting, repeating
words silently, or other actions that the individual feels driven to perform in
response to an obsession or according to rules that must be applied rigidly.
The compulsive behaviorial or mental acts are aimed at alleviating the sudden onset of distress associated with the obsession or preventing some anticipated irrational fear of a catastrophic event or situation. These behaviors
or mental acts are not rationally connected with what they are designed to
neutralize or prevent and are evidently excessive.
obsessions (intrusive, recurrent and persistent thoughts, urges, or impulses) and/or compulsions (repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed in
response to obsessions), causing significant distress and impairment in functioning (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Compulsions can include
hand washing, ordering/organizing, checking, praying, counting, repeating
words silently, or other actions that the individual feels driven to perform in
response to an obsession or according to rules that must be applied rigidly.
The compulsive behaviorial or mental acts are aimed at alleviating the sudden onset of distress associated with the obsession or preventing some anticipated irrational fear of a catastrophic event or situation. These behaviors
or mental acts are not rationally connected with what they are designed to
neutralize or prevent and are evidently excessive.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Spiritual Counselling and Care in Health and Prison Services |
Subtitle of host publication | Diverse Experiences & Practices |
Publication status | Published - 2020 |
Externally published | Yes |