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OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE SPECTRUM DISORDERS
INTRODUCTION
Surprisingly, a number of common psychiatric illnesses have similarities with OCD. These illnesses are described as Obsessive Compulsive Spectrum Disorders. The characteristics of these conditions include obsessive thoughts, a pre-occupation with body appearance (Body Dysmorphic
Disorder), body secretions, body weight, body illness, stereotyped
ritualistic behaviours such as hair pulling (Trichotillomania),
sexual compulsions, compulsive gambling, stealing and pyromania
(compulsive fire-lighting). Studies using modern high-tech neuroimaging
show that these conditions often have similar disturbances in brain function
as occurs with OCD.
In this guide, two types of obsessive compulsive spectrum disorders
are described: -
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