Obsession Compulsive Disorder Research Proposal

Obsession Compulsive Disorder - Research Proposal Example "Researches have found that one-third to one-half of OCD cases identified in adults began during childhood" (Hyman and Pedrick 16). Most of the causes of OCD are biological. "About half of all the people with OCD experience the symptoms in childhood. Among children, twice as many boys than girls demonstrate characteristics of OCD. For others, the disorder begins in adolescence or early adulthood. Interestingly, by adulthood, the male female ratio is almost fifty-fifty." (Boyles and Contadino 233). Obsessive Compulsive Disorder has a variety of symptoms like contamination symptoms, symptoms related to performing tasks and intrusive fears and thoughts. Along with this symptoms can be of violent or aggressive thoughts, and inappropriate sexual thoughts. "Although people appear to be distinct dimensions in OCD, it should be noted that most patients report multiple symptoms that cut across dimensions" (Swinson 7). With obsessions, "there are three common themes: unwanted thoughts of aggression/harm, unwanted sexual thoughts, and blasphemous thoughts" (De Silva and Rachman 4). In layman's language the symptoms include, some patients fear the presence of body secretions like sweat and saliva. Some symptoms related to performing actions repeatedly can be specific counting patterns or repeatedly washing the hands or clearing the throat. Some people suffer with repeatedly getting unpleasant and involuntary thoughts and images, usually a result of depression. Some people suffer with repeatedly violent thoughts like jumping off a bride or a train or even hurting a child. Sometimes people suffer from inappropriate sexual thoughts like kissing, fondling, oral sex intercourse or anal sex with parents, strangers, friends or even children. This usually happens when the sufferer doubts his or her sexual ability. Scientists believe that the causes of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder are both biological and psychological. Biologically it is believed that there is some abnormality with the neurotransmitter serotonin of the patient that causes OCD. Psychologists believe that OCD is caused by anxiety provoking intrusive thoughts. Some studies have proved that OCD can also be caused due to nutrition deficiencies. There is no complete cure for OCD, however, there are some treatments to help people suffering with OCD. In the past, people suffering from OCD did not have any medical or psychological help, they had to fight their symptoms on their own, which caused most patients to live in pain. Today treatment is available and a person suffering from OCD to seek early treatment. The early treatment is started the less are the chances of a person developing complications from the illness. However, "most writers simply discount the possibility that the outcome can be influenced by treatment" (Mavissakalian, Tuner and Michelson 29). The first line treatments for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder are cognitive therapy, behavioral therapy and medication. One of the most effective methods of treatment for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder if Psychotherapy. Psychotherapy is done on a one to one basis or within a group setting assisted by a trained specialist. It is usually the first step of treatment for OCD patients, especially children. The only proven form of psychotherapy for OCD is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT. Cognitive Behavior