Understanding OCD
Unwanted thoughts and behaviors that interfere with a person’s daily routine may be symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Many people with OCD have similar obsessions and related compulsions.Obsessions — unwanted intrusive thoughts:
- Constant, irrational worry about dirt, germs, or contamination.
- Excessive concern with order, arrangement, or symmetry.
- Fear that negative or aggressive thoughts or impulses will cause personal harm or harm to a loved one.
- Preoccupation with losing or throwing away objects with little or no value.
- Excessive concern about accidentally or purposefully injuring another person.
- Feeling overly responsible for the safety of others.
- Distasteful religious and sexual thoughts or images.
- Doubting that is irrational or excessive.
Compulsions — ritualistic behaviors and routines to ease anxiety or distress:
- Cleaning — Repeatedly washing one’s hands, bathing, or cleaning household items, often for hours at a time.
- Checking — Checking and re-checking several to hundreds of times a day that the doors are locked, the stove is turned off, the hairdryer is unplugged, etc.
- Repeating — Inability to stop repeating a name, phrase, or simple activity (such as going through a doorway over and over).
- Hoarding — Difficulty throwing away useless items such as old newspapers or magazines, bottle caps, or rubber bands.
- Touching and arranging
- Mental rituals — Endless reviewing of conversations, counting; repetitively calling up “good” thoughts to neutralize “bad” thoughts or obsessions; or excessive praying and using special words or phrases to neutralize obsessions.
Time-Consuming Obsessions and Compulsions
While everyone occasionally double-checks to make sure the stove is off or the door is locked before leaving the house, people with OCD may feel compelled to perform these tasks ritually for at least an hour, and usually much more, on most days. Because they are unable to stop the thoughts or rituals, their behavior can interfere with school, work, and social activities.OCD Affects Millions
OCD occurs equally in men and women, and more than 2 million American adults have the disorder. The median age of onset is 19, with 25 percent of cases occurring by age 14. But children may have symptoms of OCD, too.Probable Causes
OCD appears to run in families and may have a genetic link. Scientists have discovered that people with OCD and their close family members may have distinctive patterns in their brain structure, specifically regions associated with suppressing responses and habits.Diagnosing OCD
On average, it takes several years from the time OCD symptoms first appear for people to obtain appropriate treatment. Because many people with OCD are acutely aware that their obsessive thoughts are irrational and are not caused by external circumstances, they may withhold information and be reluctant to reveal their condition to family members or health care professionals.Treatment Helps
Untreated, OCD may follow a progressive, deteriorating course that can become disabling. The presence of other conditions can make it more difficult to detect and treat OCD. It’s not uncommon for OCD to occur with other anxiety disorders. The disorder may also lead to the development of additional mental health issues, such as depression, and affect physical well-being.Treatment can help. Most people who seek treatment experience significant improvement and enjoy an improved quality of life.
Learn more about OCD treatments