Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) has been recognized as a mental health condition for centuries, but the diagnosis and understanding of the disorder has evolved significantly over time. Here is a brief history of OCD diagnosis:

Early history: The earliest known descriptions of OCD-like symptoms date back to ancient civilizations, such as ancient Egypt and Greece. However, these descriptions were often interpreted as spiritual or moral issues rather than mental health conditions.

Late 19th and early 20th centuries: The term "obsessive-compulsive" was first used by Pierre Janet in 1903, but it wasn't until the early 20th century that OCD began to be recognized as a distinct disorder. In 1913, Sigmund Freud wrote about obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors in his paper "The Neuro-Psychoses of Defense," and in 1926, Emil Kraepelin included OCD in his textbook "Psychiatrie."

1950s: The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) was first published in 1952, and OCD was included as a subtype of anxiety disorders. However, the diagnosis was relatively uncommon and poorly understood at this time.

1970s: Interest in OCD increased significantly in the 1970s, in part due to the work of researchers such as Aaron Beck and Michael Liebowitz. They emphasized the role of irrational thoughts and beliefs in OCD, and this led to the development of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) as a treatment for the disorder.

1980s: The DSM-III was published in 1980, and it included OCD as a separate diagnosis for the first time. This helped to increase awareness and understanding of the disorder, and led to more research and treatment options.

1990s: In the 1990s, researchers began to focus on the biological basis of OCD, and discovered that abnormalities in the brain's circuitry may play a role in the disorder. This led to the development of medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) as a treatment option.

2000s and beyond: More recent research has continued to explore the biological and genetic factors involved in OCD, as well as the effectiveness of various treatment options. This has led to the development of new therapies, such as deep brain stimulation (DBS), which involves implanting electrodes in the brain to regulate activity in the areas involved in OCD.  Recently, more clinicians have become competent in Exposure Response Prevention, I-CBT, and ACT in order to meet the rising need for OCD treatment in our society.  

The diagnosis and understanding of OCD has evolved significantly over time, from ancient civilizations' descriptions of obsessive-compulsive-like symptoms to the current understanding of the disorder as a distinct and treatable mental health condition. Ongoing research and treatment developments continue to improve our understanding of OCD and provide effective treatment options for those who suffer from the disorder.

If you are wondering whether you have be experiencing OCD, please take our self quiz and/or contact Kairos Wellness Collective today to learn more about our approach to OCD therapy.