Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026
09:29
Signal Attenuation as a Rat Model of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Published on: January 9, 2015
Obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorder symptoms in college students
Michael L Sulkowski1, Amy Mariaskin, Eric A Storch
1Department of Special Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA. sulkowsm@ufl.edu
Journal of American College Health : J of ACH
|April 19, 2011
Summary
Obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders (OCSDs) are common in college students and often co-occur with anxiety. Increased awareness is crucial for better identification and treatment of these prevalent OCSD symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Mental Health Research
Background:
- Obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders (OCSDs) represent a group of conditions characterized by obsessions and compulsions.
- Understanding the prevalence and symptom patterns of OCSDs in young adult populations is essential for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the occurrence of OCSD symptoms among undergraduate students.
- To examine the co-occurrence of OCSD symptoms with each other and with anxiety and impulsivity symptoms.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted with 358 undergraduate students.
- Symptom severity and co-occurrence patterns were assessed using validated measures.
Main Results:
- Clinically significant levels of OCSD symptoms were found to be relatively common in the studied college student population.
- OCSD symptoms demonstrated significant co-occurrence with each other and with general anxiety symptoms.
- No significant co-occurrence was observed between OCSD symptoms and impulsivity symptoms.
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of OCSD symptoms in college students underscores the need for increased awareness among healthcare professionals.
- Early identification and effective treatment of OCSD symptoms are critical due to their potentially debilitating impact on students' well-being.
More Related Videos
11:17Protocol for Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation with Symptom Provocation to Treat Obsessive-compulsive Disorder
Published on: November 25, 2025
09:14Exploring the Neural Correlates of Cognitive Reappraisal in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Using Task-based Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published on: March 14, 2025
Related Concept Videos
01:28Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by recurrent obsessions, compulsions, or both, which consume significant time and interfere with daily functioning. Obsessions involve persistent, intrusive, and unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that evoke anxiety. Common examples include irrational fears of contamination or harm. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to reduce the anxiety caused by obsessions. For instance, individuals...
01:24Personality Disorders: Dependent and Obsessive-Compulsive
Dependent personality disorder and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder are two separate psychological conditions that influence behavior, relationships, and overall life functioning. Though both involve maladaptive behaviors, their core characteristics and motivations differ significantly.
Dependent Personality Disorder
Dependent personality disorder is characterized by an excessive reliance on others to manage various aspects of life. Individuals with this disorder often struggle with...
Dependent Personality Disorder
Dependent personality disorder is characterized by an excessive reliance on others to manage various aspects of life. Individuals with this disorder often struggle with...
01:18Anxiety: Overview
Anxiety is a common mental disorder featuring excessive worry, fear, and apprehension, significantly affecting daily life. People with anxiety disorders experience persistent and intense anxiety, interrupting their everyday functioning.
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
01:30Oppositional Defiant Disorder
A persistent pattern of angry or irritable mood, defiant behavior, or vindictiveness characterizes Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Symptoms must occur over at least six months, involve interactions with individuals beyond siblings, and meet specific diagnostic criteria to be clinically significant. The disorder affects emotional regulation, social interactions, and behavior, often manifesting early in life and influencing long-term development and functioning.
Diagnostic Criteria and...
Diagnostic Criteria and...
01:27Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent and sudden minutes-long episodes of intense fear, known as panic attacks. These attacks may feel like heart attacks and often happen without warning or a specific cause. They can include symptoms such as rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, chest pain, trembling, sweating, dizziness, and a sense of helplessness. During a panic attack, individuals may feel as though they are experiencing a heart attack or are in a...
01:30Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a chronic condition characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry that persists for at least six months, significantly interfering with daily functioning. Unlike situational anxiety, which arises in response to specific stressors, GAD often occurs without a clear cause. Individuals may experience disproportionate worry about work, health, or relationships. For instance, a person might continuously fear poor health despite normal medical evaluations or...