Obsessive Compulsive Disorder OCD and Dissociative Disorder DD

obsessive compulsive disorder OCD
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Obsessive Compulsive Disorder OCD

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder a.k.a. OCD is a common chronic long-lasting disorder in which an individual experiences uncontrollable repeated obsessions or behaviours. Children and adolescents may experience Obsessive Compulsive Disorder too, with multiple obsessions and compulsions possibly changing content over time.

Common obsessions include excessive fear of dirt, germs or sickness, excessive fear of a loved one being in danger, obsessions related to religion or sex, as well as an uncontrollable need for symmetry and exactness.

Common compulsions include ritualistic handwashing, repetitions, checking, counting, ordering, hoarding, and touching.

Tic Disorder

Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a condition related to the nervous system which causes individuals to experience tics. Tics are sudden, rapid, non-rhythmic twitches and movements (motor tics) or sounds (vocal tics) that affected individuals repeat over and over, with no control whatsoever. Children who are diagnosed with tic disorder can also exhibit associated behavioural difficulties.

Dissociative Disorder DD

Dissociative disorder is a mental disorder involving disconnection and lack of continuity between thoughts, memories, surroundings, actions and identity. Individuals with dissociative disorders experience problems with day-to-day functioning as they tend to escape reality involuntarily. This disorder has been linked with childhood trauma.

Dissociative disorder symptoms may include amnesia, disturbances in sense of self, trance-like states, rapid mood shifts and behaviour, knowledge-memory-skills access fluctuations, hallucinations (auditory and visual), and vivid imaginary friendships (in children and adolescents). Stress tends to exacerbate these symptoms.

Treatment for dissociative disorders includes a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Although difficult to treat, early identification and intervention increases the chance of affected individuals being able to lead healthy and productive lives.


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Claire

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Author: Claire

Claire Galea is a mum of three currently in her final year following a Degree in Nursing at the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, as a mature student. Claire is keen about public education on health-related subjects as well as holistic patient-centered care. She is also passionate about spreading awareness on the negative effects that domestic abuse leaves on its victims’ mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing. Claire aspires to continue studying following completion of her Nursing Degree, because she truly believes in lifelong education.