Working Effectively with Patients with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Mayo Clinic Talks

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D. [@chutkaMD]

Guest: Craig N. Sawchuk, Ph.D., L.P.

It’s estimated that 1 in 40 adults have obsessive compulsive disorder. Obsessions are repetitive, unwanted thoughts that are very difficult to control. They commonly cause distress and anxiety and are often focused on a specific theme such as germs and contamination. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or thoughts that help make the obsessive thoughts go away. They can be very time consuming and prevent the individual from participating in activities the person values. Treatment is available for patients with OCD, and most can be helped. We’ll discuss OCD with our guest, Craig N. Sawchuk, Ph.D., L.P., a psychologist at the Mayo Clinic and find out how patients with OCD present, common obsessions they experience and how OCD can be managed.

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