Glossary

Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by anxiety-inducing thoughts called obsessions and the repetitive actions (compulsions) that arise in response to them. It is normally a chronic disorder, but some may feel that their symptoms ebb and flow over time. Experiencing obsessions and compulsions occasionally does not necessarily denote the presence of OCD; the disorder’s defining trait is the constant presence of obsessions and compulsions which serve as a consistent source of anxiety.

There are two main aspects of OCD: Obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are anxiety-inducing intrusive thoughts that are unwanted and uncontrollable. People with OCD know these thoughts aren’t what they are really thinking but will try to mitigate them regardless to reduce their anxiety. The methods they use to relieve these obsessions are called compulsions, or repetitive actions that people with OCD feel as though they need to perform to make their obsessions go away. Compulsions can include washing hands over and over, doing tasks a specific amount of times, or repeatedly seeking reassurance. The relief brought by compulsions is temporary, which necessitates the constant reapplications of these techniques to keep the obsessions at bay.

Opioids

Opioids are a class of drug that are commonly used to relieve pain. They can be either synthetic (man-made) or natural. Opioids work by directly communicating with nerve cells in the body to prevent pain signals from reaching the brain. They also stimulate the reward centers of the brain, causing euphoria and a sense of satisfaction when taken. These factors make opioids incredibly addictive and easy to form dependencies on. Common opioids include codeine, fentanyl, heroin, and morphine.

Along with being highly addictive, opioids are extremely potent, which makes them easy to overdose on. In 2023, 81.4% of fatal drug overdoses in the U.S. involved at least one opioid. The reason opioid overdoses are so fatal is that high dosages restrict the parts of the brain responsible for regulating breathing. This is called respiratory depression, and it is the main cause of opioid overdose deaths. It is highly recommended to only take the prescribed amount and check in with one’s doctor frequently when using opioids to avoid potentially fatal accidents.