by Rebecca Palmer

Created on: February 07, 2007   Last Updated: May 02, 2007

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is one of the most multifaceted disorders that exist within our world. It is the integration of thousands of years of evolution and natural selection, yet an exaggeration of once beneficial actions. Through an integration of evolutionary, developmental, biological and cognitive perspectives, one can gain a comprehensive understanding to the development of this disorder as well as a grasp on its manifestation. Without successful knowledge of all the factions that cause OCD, one cannot possibly treat it. The multidimensional approach is one that fully defines OCD, rather than limiting the definition to one aspect of psychology.

Obsessive compulsive disorder is characterized by both obsessions and compulsions that interfere with the functioning of 1% - 2% of the worldwide population, and is the fourth most common psychological disorder (Baxter, 2003). Despite the popular use in our vernacular, OCD is not simply any repetitive thought or behavior. Obsessions are persistent and intrusive images, thoughts or impulses that provoke resistance; compulsions are triggered by these intrusive thoughts and are repetitive, deliberate thoughts or behaviors that reduce personal anxiety (Doron & Kyrios, 2005). Those who suffer from OCD feel constantly as if something is wrong and must be corrected. This correction takes the form of compulsions that many with OCD know are useless, and are still compelled to perform these actions or thoughts (Baxter, 2005). They often experience a sense of increased responsibility for themselves and those around them, which often leads to anxiety and focus on intrusive thoughts (Barrett & Healy, 2003). However, the focus on intrusive thoughts increases their frequency and creates a vicious cycle of the obsessions and compulsions that define OCD, and sustains the disorder. Primarily, the compulsions consist of: washing, checking, needing to confess, counting, hoarding and requiring precision (Polimeni et al, 2005). Because OCD has a worldwide prevalence and afflicts the same amount of people regardless of location or culture, it suggests that the compulsions associated with OCD were somehow beneficial throughout evolution.
In a hunting and gathering society, the proto-human was almost constantly in danger. He faced predation and starvation nearly every day. Because he lived in tribes, the group he lived with was vital for his survival, and his contribution to the group must have been beneficial for the continuation

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