Where emotion meets cognition:studies on executive function in obsessive-compulsive disorder

Obsessive-compulsion diorder (ocd) is characterized by recurrent obsessions and/or compulsions. Obsessions are intrusive and unwanted thoughts, images or feelings which elicit considerable anxiety and discomfort. Commonly recurring themes in obsessions are aggression, blasphemy, death and (unacceptable) sexual urges. Compulsions are repetitive, ritualistic behaviours or mental acts that are performed to reduce or neutralise the anxiety that is elicited by the obsessions.The most frequently encountered compulsions are ordering, counting, checking and washing. When the patient resists carrying out the compulsions, anxiety usually increases. Patients generally recognize that the obsessions and compulsions are excessive and irrational. Nevertheless, the obsessions and com-pulsions cause marked distress, are timeconsuming and interfere signiicantly with the person’s social or occupational life. Many patients experience both obsessions and compulsions; only a minority presents with either obsessions or compulsions (Foa & Kozak). Ocd is classiied in dsm-4 as an anxiety disorder, although not all clinicians agree on this categorization (Nelson & Chouinard)