Neuro Therapy: Supporting the Healing of OCD Through Architecture
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Abstract
There is a common misconception that Obsessive Compulsive
Disorders, most commonly referred to as OCD, affect anyone and
everyone that may experience a “need” for perfection or order in
detail. In reality, less than 1.5% of the human population experience a
life with OCD, most commonly developed in adolescence and young
adult years. Here lies the understanding that there is indeed a
significant difference between being a perfectionist — someone who
requires flawless results or performance, for example — and having
Obsessive Compulsive Disorders (Mayo Clinic). People with OCD often
do not experience architectural environments that allow them the ease
and comfort to aid in the rehabilitation of their disorder. Even though
medication is often used to mask the compulsions in the OCD cycle,
the only way to recover from the mental illness is to retrain the brain.
This research thesis studies the connection between the psychosocial
influence behind architectural building environments and the ability a
building environment has on the rehabilitation and psychological
reformation to those living with Obsessive Compulsive Disorders.