Characterized by invasive thoughts that lead to uneasiness, suspicion, fear or worry combined with repetitive behaviors aimed at reducing anxiety is the disorder known as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).  Diagnosed just as often as asthma and diabetes and ranked as the fourth most common mental disorder, OCD affects nearly one in every 50 adults in the United States.

With studies showing roughly one-third to one-half of adults with OCD reporting a childhood onset of the disorder, it affects men, women, children and adults.  OCD is periodically accompanied by an eating disorder or other anxiety disorders as well as depression.

Obsessions are the thoughts that appear and persist, despite efforts to ignore them.  As a result, people with OCD often perform tasks (compulsions) to seek relief from their obsession-related anxiety.  Those suffering from OCD understand that their notions do not reconcile with the outside world, but feel as though they must act as though they do.

In 50% to 60% of OCD cases, the disorder manifests without overt compulsions.  Rather than immersing in observable compulsions, those with this subtype tend to perform more covert, mental rituals.  More often than not, they feel driven to avoid any situation in which particular obsessive thoughts might be triggered.

It has been agreed upon that both psychological and biological factors play a role in this disorder although opinions vary regarding which factor has a greater emphasis.  Additionally, where exposure-based therapy has proven to be helpful for some in treating OCD, The National Institute of Mental Health is currently supporting research into new treatment approaches which include combination and augmentation treatments as well as deep brain stimulation.

A mental disorder characterized by low self-esteem combined with an all-encompassing low mood as well as a loss of interest in normally enjoyable activities is known as major depressive disorder (MDD).

While the understanding of the nature and cause of this disorder has evolved over centuries, a full understanding is still incomplete leaving many aspects of depression as the subject of discussion and research.  Proposed causes include psychological, hereditary, evolutionary and biological factors.  In addition, certain types of prolonged drug us can both cause and worsen depression.

MDD is a disabling condition that adversely affecting a person’s family, work, sleeping and eating habits.   In the United States alone, close to 4% of people suffering with MDD commit suicide and it is reported that 60% of people who commit suicide are suffering from depression or another mood disorder.

Treatable with psychotherapy, usually on an outpatient basis, most depressive episodes resolve over time.  Studies show that 80% of those suffering from their first MDD episode will suffer from at least 1 more during their life, with an average of 4 episodes during their lifetime.

Defined by excessive, uncontrollable and often irrational worry about everyday things that is disproportionate to the actual source of worry, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a debilitating disorder affecting millions of American adults.  Although the average age of onset is uncertain, the median age is approximately 31 years old and most studies find GAD to be associated with an earlier and more progressive onset than other anxiety disorders.

Identified as the most common cause of disability in the workplace in the United States, general anxiety disorder is diagnosed when one worries excessively about a myriad of everyday problems for a minimum of 6 months.  People suffering from the disorder are overly worried about commonplace issues ranging from health to money to family to problems at work.

Physical symptoms associated with GAD run the gamut:

-       Fatigue

-       Headaches

-       Muscle tension/aches

-       Difficulty swallowing

-       Irritability

-       Sweating

-       Nassau

-       Hot flashes

-       Frequent trips to the bathroom

In cases when people suffering from GAD are experiencing anxiety at a moderate level, they can function socially and hold down a job.  On the flip side, those who do not have it under control can have difficulty completing the simplest activity.  Unfortunately, more often than not, other anxiety disorders such as depression or substance abuse accompany generalized anxiety disorder.

Thankfully, generalized anxiety disorder is manageable and can be successfully treated.