Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) (cont.)

Without treatment, the symptoms of OCD can progress to the point that the sufferer's life becomes consumed, inhibiting their ability to attend school, keep a job, and/or maintain important relationships. Many people with OCD have thoughts of killing themselves, and about 1% complete suicide.

In terms of the prognosis for the specific symptoms, it is rare for any to progress to a physically debilitating level. However, problems like compulsive hand washing can eventually cause complications like the skin becoming dry and even breaking down. Repeated trichotillomania can result in unsightly scabs on the person's scalp.

While in about 40% of people diagnosed with OCD the symptoms tend to persist indefinitely to some degree, most are only mildly to moderately affected by those symptoms if adequately treated. People who have the symptoms of OCD longer before being diagnosed and treated are both at higher risk of having more severe OCD and of developing other mental health illnesses in the future.

OCD is best prevented through early recognition and treatment. Specifically, recognizing warning signs that a child may be at risk for developing OCD can be a place to start. Examples of such early warning signs include excessive complaints (hypersensitivity) by the child that certain clothes or food textures are intolerable, as well as a child who engages in rigid patterns of behavior.

Further information about OCD can be gained from the following resources.

Anxiety Disorders Association of America
240-485-1001
http://www.adaa.org

American Psychiatric Association
703-907-7300
http://www.psych.org

Cognitive Behavior Therapy Center for OCD & Anxiety
http://www.cbtmarin.com/treatment.asp

National Institute of Mental Health
866-615-6464
http://www.nimh.nih.gov

Obsessive Compulsive Foundation
http://www.ocfoundation.org/
PO Box 961029
Boston, Mass. 02196
617-973-5801

OCD Recovery Centers of America
http://www.ocdrecoverycenters.com/

OCDResource.com
http://www.ocdresource.com/

OCD Online
http://www.ocdonline.com/

Tourette Syndrome Association
http://www.tsa-usa.org/

Trichotillomania Learning Center
http://www.trich.org/

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Source: MedicineNet.com
http://www.medicinenet.com/obsessive_compulsive_disorder_ocd/article.htm