OCD Disorder
What is OCD Disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) features a pattern of unwanted thoughts and fears (obsessions) that lead you to do repetitive behaviors (compulsions)
Obsessions are unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that trigger intensely distressing feelings. Compulsions are behaviors an individual engages in to attempt to get rid of the obsessions and/or decrease distress
SYMPTOMS OF OCD Disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder usually includes both obsessions and compulsions. But it’s also possible to have only obsession symptoms or only compulsion symptoms.
You may or may not realize that your obsessions and compulsions are excessive or unreasonable, but they take up a great deal of time and interfere with your daily routine and social, school or work functioning.
Obsession Symptoms
Obsessions often have themes to them, such as:
- Fear of contamination or dirt
- Doubting and having difficulty tolerating uncertainty
- Needing things orderly and symmetrical
- Aggressive or horrific thoughts about losing control and harming yourself or others
- Unwanted thoughts, including aggression, or sexual or religious subjects
Compulsion Symptoms
You may make up rules or rituals to follow that help control your anxiety when you’re having obsessive thoughts. These compulsions are excessive and often are not realistically related to the problem they’re intended to fix.
As with obsessions, compulsions typically have themes, such as:
- Washing and cleaning
- Checking
- Counting
- Orderliness
- Following a strict routine
- Demanding reassurance
CAUSES OF OCD Disorder
Doctors aren’t sure why some people have OCD. Stress can make symptoms worse.It’s a bit more common in women than in men. Symptoms often appear in teens or young adults.
Sometimes, a child might have OCD after a streptococcal infection. This is called pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections, or PANDAS.
Experts believe OCD is caused by an abnormality in the brain’s circuitry. Brain scans show brain activity is different in people with OCD. There’s probably a genetic component too, especially when OCD begins in childhood. Of all adults with OCD, 1/3 to 1/2 say their illness started in childhood or adolescence.
RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS OF OCD Disorder
RISKS
A parent, sibling, or child with OCD
Physical differences in certain parts of your brain
Depression, anxiety, or tics
Experience with trauma
Experience with trauma
COMPLICATIONS
Trouble in relationships as loved ones find the patient’s symptoms difficult to deal with.
Inability to go to work or school, or to engage in social activities.
Inadequate quality of life.
Suicidal behaviour or thoughts.
Dermatitis from continual hand washing and other health issues.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES OF OCD Disorder
TYPES OF OCD Disorder
Checking
DIAGNOSIS OF OCD Disorder
PEOPLE ALSO ASK
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How do I know if I'm OCD?
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What is an OCD person like?
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Can OCD go away?
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Is a person with OCD normal?
Obsessive-compulsive thinking is completely normal, with about 94 percent of the population experiencing some kind of unwanted or intrusive thought at some point.
