Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders

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**Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders** are conditions in which one has obsessive thoughts and desires, and experiences compulsive behavior due to the obsessions. These disorders are often classified as being related to anxiety disorders, as the obsessive thoughts cause one to excessively worry, which is what causes the compulsive urges. Obsessive-compulsive disorders typically are related to genetics and hormonal imbalances.

## Types

There are multiple different types of obsessive-compulsive disorders, which are discussed briefly in the following list:

### Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)

BDD is a condition in which the individual feels as though one or more parts of their body are "ugly," and they grow an obsession with trying to "fix" or alter it, often times participating in compulsive behavior, and excessively worry that those around them are viewing them with disgust/judgement.

### Excoriation Disorder/Skin-Picking Disorder/Dermatillomania

Excoriation Disorder is a condition in which the individual has the compulsive desire to pick at one's skin to an extent in which a becomes an obsession, and can cause bleeding, lesions, and general harm.

### Hoarding Disorder

Hoarding Disorder is a condition in which the individual has the compulsive desire to keep/stash away items, and the obsessive feelings to keep said items. This can cause a lot of mental, physical, and financial strain as the individual may stash their home/room from top to bottom in unneeded objects (and in some cases, animals).

### Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

OCD is a condition characterized by having specific repeating thoughts that cause compulsions (typically irrational thoughts and compulsions). Those with OCD may have thoughts such as "I need to tap the door five times before bed, or my family will die" or "if I do not wash the table every morning, I will get sick."

### Trichotillomania/Hair-Pulling Disorder

Trichotillomania is a condition in which the individual has the compulsive desire to pull out ones hair to an extent in which a becomes an obsession. This may include facial hair, eyebrows, body hair, etc. This may cause bald spots, irritated skin, and similar.

### Other Specified Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorder

An Other Specified Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorder is when one closely fits an obsessive-compulsive disorder but does not fit the full diagnostic requirements. They may be considered "close enough" to a condition, while not fitting the full criteria (such as closely-fitting trichotillomania, but not fitting it entirely).

### Unspecified Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorder

An Unspecified Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorder is when one shows symptoms of obsessive-compulsive thinking but does not fit any subset enough to be diagnosed with a specific form. One example of this is Obsessive Love Disorder (a disorder in which one obsesses over someone they are romantically attracted to/in a romantic relationship with, to an unhealthy extent.)

## References

1. https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/mental-health-body-dysmorphic-disorder
2. https://mhanational.org/conditions/excoriation-disorder-skin-picking-or-dermatillomania#:~:text=Excoriation%20disorder%20(also%20referred%20to,significant%20disruption%20in%20one's%20life.
3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hoarding-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20356056
4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20354432
5. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/trichotillomania/symptoms-causes/syc-20355188