Obsessive Compulsive Disorders Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) makes people subject to uncontrollable recurrent, unwanted thoughts (called obsessions) or rituals (compulsions such as handwashing, counting, checking, or cleaning). A chronic, relapsing illness, OCD affects children and adults, about 2.3 percent of Americans. The condition can interfere with the carrying out of the activities of daily life. There is growing evidence that OCD is caused by abnormal functioning of brain circuitry, rather than by family problems or attitudes learned in childhood—such as an inordinate emphasis on cleanliness, or a belief that certain thoughts are dangerous or unacceptable. For information on Asclepeion Center approaches, see Holistic Psychotherapy Services. Sources. National Institute of Mental Health; Asclepeion Center for Body Mind Therapy. Working integratively and individually, Asclepeion Center staff have had marked success in alleviating the negative effects of a variety of disease states and health issues. To discuss what particular treatment protocols may be appropriate for any specific health issue, please contact the Asclepeion Center, (301.495.0933) to talk over your individual medical situation. For more information on what we do, see About Us and Services sections of this website. Many people who come to us feel they have already gleaned the positive effects of treatments offered by traditional medicine. Others want to explore possible synergies drawing upon holistic alternatives. Center staff are always glad to work cooperatively with any practitioners—both traditional and non-traditional—that a client desires. BACK TO TOP