Writing the literature review was an exciting yet demanding task that aided significantly in the development of myself as a scientific author. I found it difficult to manage the amount of research used in academia and identify which was most appropriate for use in relation to my subject. But in time through diligent reading and structuring, I became more at ease with bringing it all together and determining the main themes for Cleanliness-orientated Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

The experience improved my skill in paraphrasing, critically analyzing scholarly research, and organizing multiple studies within an integrated framework. I gained specific value from learning to differentiate between psychological and neurological elements of the condition and how treatment options are established through both. This also heightened my appreciation for the interdisciplinary nature of research on mental health.

Although the assignment was challenging—particularly in establishing clear relationships between studies—it ultimately allowed me to create a more organized, analytical style of writing. I feel more confident now in being able to read difficult texts and be of added value in scholarly discourse. This assignment was one major way in which both my critical thinking skills and communication skills were improved.

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