To conclude our journey through Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders, let's discuss two disorders where the compulsion is directed towards oneself: Trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder) and Excoriation Disorder (skin-picking disorder). I'll try to explain them in my own words.
Among obsessive-compulsive disorders, there is Hoarding Disorder. Let's understand what is hoarded, how it is hoarded, why it is hoarded, and when this behavior warrants the attention of a clinician. I'll try to answer these questions in my own words.
In the previous post, we defined obsessions and compulsions. Now that we are familiar with these terms, we are ready to discuss Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
After Anxiety Disorders, the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition) continues with Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders. To understand these disorders, we need to know what an obsession is—distinguishing it from other forms of repetitive thoughts—and what a compulsion is. As usual, I will try to explain this in my own words.
