OCD: Through the Diagnostic and Statistic Manual
OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) has plagued the world for centuries. The lack of knowledge on the subject, and until recently, a lack of understanding of OCD has begun to be resolved. With a group of Psychologists creating a book in the mid 1900s, as previously there was not a baseline of symptoms that were followed. With the new information becoming what psychologists used to diagnose their patients. Due to added information about OCD the expansion of the definition of OCD in 1952 - 1968, 1994 - 2013, and 2013 - today are the most influential time periods.
Written in 1952, the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual) was the first to assemble the common symptoms and names of mental disorders for psychologists to use. Obsessive compulsive reaction, the precursor of OCD, is classified as, "in this reaction the anxiety is associated with the persistence of unwanted ideas and of repetitive impulses to perform acts which may be considered morbid by the patient. The patient himself may regard his ideas as behaviors as unreasonable, but nevertheless is compelled to carry out his rituals" ("DSM-1"). A few of the symptoms given were touching, counting, hand washing, and "recurring thoughts (accompanied often by a compulsion to repetitive action)" ("DSM-1").
The DSM IV, written in 1994, began going into an in depth description of what OCD was. Clearly outlining the five main points of criteria. Continuing to define both obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are defined as: "[obsessions are] persistent ideas, thoughts, impulses, or images that are experienced as intrusive and inappropriate and that cause marked anxiety or distress. The intrusive and inappropriate quality of the obsessions has been referred to as 'ego-dystonic.' This refers to the individual's sense that the content of the obsession is alien, not within his or her own control, and not the kind of thought that he or she should expect to have. However, the individual is able to recognize that the obsessions are the product of his or her own mind and are not imposed from without (as in thought insertion)" ("DSM-4"). Compulsions are defined as: "[compulsions are] repetitive behaviors (e.g., hand washing, ordering, checking) or mental acts (e.g., praying, counting, repeating words silently) the goal of which is to prevent or reduce anxiety or distress, not to provide pleasure to reduce the distress that accompanies an obsession or to prevent some dreaded event or situation" ("DSM-4"). While related disorders were specifically differentiated in the criteria, Criteria D and E both go into related disorders. "[D.] If another Axis I disorder is present, the content of the obsessions or compulsions is not restricted to it" ("DSM-4"). OCD included with a different diagnosis such as major depression, or trichotillomania (hair pulling), etc. as some of the symptoms of OCD also fall into the symptoms lists of other disorders. "The disturbance is not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication) or a general medical condition" ("DSM-4"). Criteria E deals more so with substance abuse that could have caused the symptoms of the disorder.
The DSM V is the current Diagnostic and Statistic Manual. It’s work and research began in 2000, and was published in 2013. With around 30 pages dedicated to "OCD and Related Disorders" dividing the disorders that previously made a larger symptoms list or disorders that were considered non-related. Listed are: "Obsessive-compulsive and related disorders include obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), body dysmorphic disorder, hoarding disorder, substance/ medication-induced obsessive-compulsive and related disorder, obsessive-compulsive and related disorder due to another medical condition, and other specified obsessive-compulsive and related disorder and unspecified obsessive-compulsive and related disorder (e.g., body-focused repetitive behavior disorder, obsessional jealousy)" ("DSM-5"). Adding Hoarding Disorder, the difficulty of getting rid of items, and Excortian (skin picking) Disorder. Many of the disorders before it were known as completely separate disorders.
OCD’s definition has greatly expanded in these times of influential development: 1952 - 1968, 1994 - 2013, and 2013 - today. From the research and publishing of the the first Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder to the recent release of the fifth edition. Creating how there is an understanding of a human, and establishing a guide. These influential times were filled with preparations for the next edition to create a clearer understanding.
Written in 1952, the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual) was the first to assemble the common symptoms and names of mental disorders for psychologists to use. Obsessive compulsive reaction, the precursor of OCD, is classified as, "in this reaction the anxiety is associated with the persistence of unwanted ideas and of repetitive impulses to perform acts which may be considered morbid by the patient. The patient himself may regard his ideas as behaviors as unreasonable, but nevertheless is compelled to carry out his rituals" ("DSM-1"). A few of the symptoms given were touching, counting, hand washing, and "recurring thoughts (accompanied often by a compulsion to repetitive action)" ("DSM-1").
The DSM IV, written in 1994, began going into an in depth description of what OCD was. Clearly outlining the five main points of criteria. Continuing to define both obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are defined as: "[obsessions are] persistent ideas, thoughts, impulses, or images that are experienced as intrusive and inappropriate and that cause marked anxiety or distress. The intrusive and inappropriate quality of the obsessions has been referred to as 'ego-dystonic.' This refers to the individual's sense that the content of the obsession is alien, not within his or her own control, and not the kind of thought that he or she should expect to have. However, the individual is able to recognize that the obsessions are the product of his or her own mind and are not imposed from without (as in thought insertion)" ("DSM-4"). Compulsions are defined as: "[compulsions are] repetitive behaviors (e.g., hand washing, ordering, checking) or mental acts (e.g., praying, counting, repeating words silently) the goal of which is to prevent or reduce anxiety or distress, not to provide pleasure to reduce the distress that accompanies an obsession or to prevent some dreaded event or situation" ("DSM-4"). While related disorders were specifically differentiated in the criteria, Criteria D and E both go into related disorders. "[D.] If another Axis I disorder is present, the content of the obsessions or compulsions is not restricted to it" ("DSM-4"). OCD included with a different diagnosis such as major depression, or trichotillomania (hair pulling), etc. as some of the symptoms of OCD also fall into the symptoms lists of other disorders. "The disturbance is not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication) or a general medical condition" ("DSM-4"). Criteria E deals more so with substance abuse that could have caused the symptoms of the disorder.
The DSM V is the current Diagnostic and Statistic Manual. It’s work and research began in 2000, and was published in 2013. With around 30 pages dedicated to "OCD and Related Disorders" dividing the disorders that previously made a larger symptoms list or disorders that were considered non-related. Listed are: "Obsessive-compulsive and related disorders include obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), body dysmorphic disorder, hoarding disorder, substance/ medication-induced obsessive-compulsive and related disorder, obsessive-compulsive and related disorder due to another medical condition, and other specified obsessive-compulsive and related disorder and unspecified obsessive-compulsive and related disorder (e.g., body-focused repetitive behavior disorder, obsessional jealousy)" ("DSM-5"). Adding Hoarding Disorder, the difficulty of getting rid of items, and Excortian (skin picking) Disorder. Many of the disorders before it were known as completely separate disorders.
OCD’s definition has greatly expanded in these times of influential development: 1952 - 1968, 1994 - 2013, and 2013 - today. From the research and publishing of the the first Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder to the recent release of the fifth edition. Creating how there is an understanding of a human, and establishing a guide. These influential times were filled with preparations for the next edition to create a clearer understanding.
Could Sugar Addiction Be A Stereotype of OCD?
Stereotypes in mental health are common. The need to for us define ourselves as capable and uncompromised is basic. We feel as though no one should question us, but there are people who have the disadvantage. Whether it’s glamorizing depression, or fearing schizophrenia. OCD too has had its own share of stigma. The stereotypes around OCD has lead to the Obsessive -Blank- Disorder fad.
Obsessive -Blank- Disorders normally appearing as banners, or in images of a product. The majority playing off of the original initialism OCD. While a few were sports related, the majority were food. Transforming it to be Obsessive Cupcakes Disorder, Obsessive Chocolate Disorder, Obsessive Candy Disorder, etc. The outliers being Obsessive Pizza Disorder as well as Obsessive Christmas Disorder. Every single food related disorder had one thing in common. They all contained sugar.
OCD’s cause is not known. Some believe it is a chemical imbalance in the brain and genetics, or even the neurological causes as some brains scans have showed. However, none of the previously listed are used when diagnosing OCD. OCD is, “characterized by the presence of obsessions and/or compulsions” (“DSM-5”). The closest disorder to fit the criteria of sugar addiction being Substance/ Medication-Induced Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorder. The disorder meets none of its criteria.
Sugar addiction is an unofficial disorder, but has merit. Sugar addiction doesn’t meet the criteria for a substance abuse disorder. Though having similar effects to addictive drugs, sugar can please the brain better than cocaine. In a previous study, “the neural substrates of sugar and sweet reward appear to be more robust than those of cocaine (i.e., more resistant to functional failures), possibly reflecting past selective evolutionary pressures for seeking and taking foods high in sugar and calories” (“Sugar Addiction”). In 2000, the average American ate 152 pounds of “caloric sweeteners” (“Profiling Food”). Which equates to around 52 teaspoons of sugar a day. Sugar addiction comes down to three main chemicals of the brain: dopamine, opioids, and acetylcholine. Dopamine deals with multiple things including attention, mood, as well as motivation and reward. Opioids are linked directly to pleasure including rest and bliss. Acetylcholine deals with the nervous system. Specifically parts of the peripheral nervous system and the central nervous system. While acetylcholine in the peripheral nervous system stimulates muscle movements. In the central nervous system effects reward.
My research concluded that sugar addiction could not be a form of OCD. While it can affect one as a form of an addiction, it is not OCD related. The causes in the brain are not the same, and sugar addiction is not hereditary. This is a troublesome fad because while might not take it seriously, someone could think that it is.
Obsessive -Blank- Disorders normally appearing as banners, or in images of a product. The majority playing off of the original initialism OCD. While a few were sports related, the majority were food. Transforming it to be Obsessive Cupcakes Disorder, Obsessive Chocolate Disorder, Obsessive Candy Disorder, etc. The outliers being Obsessive Pizza Disorder as well as Obsessive Christmas Disorder. Every single food related disorder had one thing in common. They all contained sugar.
OCD’s cause is not known. Some believe it is a chemical imbalance in the brain and genetics, or even the neurological causes as some brains scans have showed. However, none of the previously listed are used when diagnosing OCD. OCD is, “characterized by the presence of obsessions and/or compulsions” (“DSM-5”). The closest disorder to fit the criteria of sugar addiction being Substance/ Medication-Induced Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorder. The disorder meets none of its criteria.
Sugar addiction is an unofficial disorder, but has merit. Sugar addiction doesn’t meet the criteria for a substance abuse disorder. Though having similar effects to addictive drugs, sugar can please the brain better than cocaine. In a previous study, “the neural substrates of sugar and sweet reward appear to be more robust than those of cocaine (i.e., more resistant to functional failures), possibly reflecting past selective evolutionary pressures for seeking and taking foods high in sugar and calories” (“Sugar Addiction”). In 2000, the average American ate 152 pounds of “caloric sweeteners” (“Profiling Food”). Which equates to around 52 teaspoons of sugar a day. Sugar addiction comes down to three main chemicals of the brain: dopamine, opioids, and acetylcholine. Dopamine deals with multiple things including attention, mood, as well as motivation and reward. Opioids are linked directly to pleasure including rest and bliss. Acetylcholine deals with the nervous system. Specifically parts of the peripheral nervous system and the central nervous system. While acetylcholine in the peripheral nervous system stimulates muscle movements. In the central nervous system effects reward.
My research concluded that sugar addiction could not be a form of OCD. While it can affect one as a form of an addiction, it is not OCD related. The causes in the brain are not the same, and sugar addiction is not hereditary. This is a troublesome fad because while might not take it seriously, someone could think that it is.
This image shows how a person can be dejected and lonely.
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This image shows how OCD can coordinate to create an uncomfortable environment for the person.
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Bibliography
American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed. Arlington: American Psychiatric, 2013. Print. This edition is the most modern. Currently being the most accurate edition of the manual, it is therefore what psychiatrists are using to diagnose patients. There are multiple disorders that are now related to OCD that were previously not considered a part of OCD.
American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 4th ed. Washington D.C.: American Psychiatric Association, 1994. Print. This edition of the manual is when the quality began to grow in the manual. The previous all being to short, and clumping the description and symptoms together, or in a confusing manner. This added a separation while keeping the point across. The disorder being kept in categories, as well as having the criteria for the disorder shown in both the description, as well as having it's own list separated from the description.
Avena, Nicole M., Pedro Rada, and Bartley G. Hoebel. "Evidence for Sugar Addiction: Behavioral and Neurochemical Effects of Intermittent, Excessive Sugar Intake." Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 18 May 2007. Web. 11 Dec. 2015. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2235907/>. The study of lab rats addicted to sugar was used to show what happens in the brain when one is addicted. Multiple chemicals in the brain are affected with differing levels then what is normal.
The Committee on Nomenclature and Statistics of the American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual: Mental Disorders. 1st ed. Washington D.C.: American Psychiatric AssociationMental Hospital Service, 1952. Print. The first of five volumes of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual. The beginning format was (depending on the disorder) was a paragraph that gave a brief overview as well as a general symptoms list. Creating the first written down baseline for mental illness that all psychologists could follow.
Nichols, Hannah. "Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Causes, Symptoms and Treatments." Medical News Today. N.p., 26 Nov. 2015. Web. 11 Dec. 2015. <http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/178508.php>. This overviews OCD as a whole. Going into possible factors of OCD, such as genetics or chemical makeup in the brain. Including an overview of main symptoms, but not going into the related disorders.
SH., Ahmed, Guillem K., and Vandaele Y. "Sugar Addiction: Pushing the Drug-sugar Analogy to the Limit." Http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care, 16 July 2013. Web. 11 Dec. 2015. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23719144>. The abstract to a study about how sugar affects lab mice proves that sugar may be more dangerous than previously thought. Having the capacity to induce cravings that are on par with addictive drugs. The study finds that sugar makes the brain happier than cocaine.
Unknown. "Acetylcholine." Acetylcholine. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Dec. 2015. <http://changingminds.org/explanations/brain/brain_chemistry/acetylcholine.htm>. Going over how acetylcholine effects the nervous system, and its function.
Unknown. "Dopamine." Dopamine. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Dec. 2015. <http://changingminds.org/explanations/brain/brain_chemistry/dopamine.htm>. This article lists the basic functions of the chemical of dopamine in the brain. Covering a small part of how other chemicals of the brain react with the dopamine. Going over the mental disorders and how it effects addiction.
Unknown. "History of the DSM." American Psychiatric Association. American Psychiaric Association, n.d. Web. 11 Dec. 2015. Giving brief overviews of the development of the manuals. From the beginning the process of writing the first DSM to the current manual.
Unkown. Profiling Food Consumption in America14 | Agriculture Fact Book | Chapter 2 (n.d.): n. pag. Www.usda.gov. USDA. Web. 11 Dec. 2015. Showing how much Americans consumed from anywhere in the 1950s to 2000. Showing how much sugars as a whole that Americans consumed. Showing all of the kinds of sugar used.
American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 4th ed. Washington D.C.: American Psychiatric Association, 1994. Print. This edition of the manual is when the quality began to grow in the manual. The previous all being to short, and clumping the description and symptoms together, or in a confusing manner. This added a separation while keeping the point across. The disorder being kept in categories, as well as having the criteria for the disorder shown in both the description, as well as having it's own list separated from the description.
Avena, Nicole M., Pedro Rada, and Bartley G. Hoebel. "Evidence for Sugar Addiction: Behavioral and Neurochemical Effects of Intermittent, Excessive Sugar Intake." Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 18 May 2007. Web. 11 Dec. 2015. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2235907/>. The study of lab rats addicted to sugar was used to show what happens in the brain when one is addicted. Multiple chemicals in the brain are affected with differing levels then what is normal.
The Committee on Nomenclature and Statistics of the American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual: Mental Disorders. 1st ed. Washington D.C.: American Psychiatric AssociationMental Hospital Service, 1952. Print. The first of five volumes of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual. The beginning format was (depending on the disorder) was a paragraph that gave a brief overview as well as a general symptoms list. Creating the first written down baseline for mental illness that all psychologists could follow.
Nichols, Hannah. "Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Causes, Symptoms and Treatments." Medical News Today. N.p., 26 Nov. 2015. Web. 11 Dec. 2015. <http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/178508.php>. This overviews OCD as a whole. Going into possible factors of OCD, such as genetics or chemical makeup in the brain. Including an overview of main symptoms, but not going into the related disorders.
SH., Ahmed, Guillem K., and Vandaele Y. "Sugar Addiction: Pushing the Drug-sugar Analogy to the Limit." Http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care, 16 July 2013. Web. 11 Dec. 2015. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23719144>. The abstract to a study about how sugar affects lab mice proves that sugar may be more dangerous than previously thought. Having the capacity to induce cravings that are on par with addictive drugs. The study finds that sugar makes the brain happier than cocaine.
Unknown. "Acetylcholine." Acetylcholine. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Dec. 2015. <http://changingminds.org/explanations/brain/brain_chemistry/acetylcholine.htm>. Going over how acetylcholine effects the nervous system, and its function.
Unknown. "Dopamine." Dopamine. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Dec. 2015. <http://changingminds.org/explanations/brain/brain_chemistry/dopamine.htm>. This article lists the basic functions of the chemical of dopamine in the brain. Covering a small part of how other chemicals of the brain react with the dopamine. Going over the mental disorders and how it effects addiction.
Unknown. "History of the DSM." American Psychiatric Association. American Psychiaric Association, n.d. Web. 11 Dec. 2015. Giving brief overviews of the development of the manuals. From the beginning the process of writing the first DSM to the current manual.
Unkown. Profiling Food Consumption in America14 | Agriculture Fact Book | Chapter 2 (n.d.): n. pag. Www.usda.gov. USDA. Web. 11 Dec. 2015. Showing how much Americans consumed from anywhere in the 1950s to 2000. Showing how much sugars as a whole that Americans consumed. Showing all of the kinds of sugar used.
