OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER
INTRODUCTION

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is often referred to as "the Doubting Disease." As with Tourette's Syndrome, a lot of the most troubling or interfering symptoms associated with OCD are the hidden ones -- the intrusive, repetitive, often disturbing thoughts called "obsessions," although the ritualized behaviors ("compulsions") that the person engages in may take up hours of their time every day or cause them significant distress.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

About Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Leslie E. Packer, PhD, updated January 2009

Common obsessions and compulsions, symptoms, and lifespan course

When Unwanted Thoughts Take Over: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (PDF File)
National Institutes of Health, 2007
Overview for patients

Awareness Exercise (PDF File)
Leslie E. Packer, PhD, 2002
Try this quick online exercise to increase your sensitivity and awareness

"I'm Not Crazy"
Cherry Pedrick, R.N.
A firsthand account of living with OCD

NIH Researchers Identify OCD Risk Gene
National Institutes of Health News Release, March 2006

Journal Highlights Effectiveness of Research Based Psychotherapies for Youth
National Institutes of Health News Release, April 2008

Treatment of OCD
Leslie E. Packer, PhD, updated January 2009
Medication and nonmedication therapeutic approaches

Mis-diagnosis and Dual Diagnosis of Gifted Children: Gifted and LD, ADHD, OCD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (PDF File)
James T. Webb, 2000

Famous People with OCD or Tourette's Syndrome
Leslie E. Packer, PhD, 2004
Just for inspiration

OCD and Tourette's Syndrome: A note on "lumpers" vs. "splitters"
Leslie E. Packer, PhD, 2004

For Your Reference Shelf
Books and videos on OCD

Links
Other sites with information on OCD

Researchers Looking for Participants
Researchers at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston are conducting a genetic study that focuses on families affected by Tourette Syndrome (TS), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and/or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). If you are interested, see the information at the above link.

POINT OF INTEREST

For tips on classroom accommodations, see the Education section.

EN ESPAÑOL

Compulsiones y obsesiones más frecuentes (PDF)
Consejos para integrar a alumnos con Trastorno Obsesivo Compulsivo (PDF)

Tourette Syndrome "Plus" © Copyright 1998 - 2009 Leslie E. Packer, PhD. except as noted.
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This page last updated August 18, 2009.
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