Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Everyone double checks things sometimes. For example, you might double check to make sure the stove or iron is turned off before leaving the house. But people with OCD feel the need to check things repeatedly, or have certain thoughts or perform routines and rituals over and over. The thoughts and rituals associated with OCD cause distress and get in the way of daily life.

 

The frequent upsetting thoughts are called obsessions. To try to control them, a person will feel an overwhelming urge to repeat certain rituals or behaviors called compulsions. People with OCD can't control these obsessions and compulsions.

 

For many people, OCD starts during childhood or the teen years. Most people are diagnosed by about age 19. Symptoms of OCD may come and go and be better or worse at different times.

 

What are the signs and symptoms of OCD?

 

People with OCD generally:

  • Have repeated thoughts or images about many different things, such as fear of germs, dirt, or intruders; acts of violence; hurting loved ones; sexual acts; conflicts with religious beliefs; or being overly tidy

  • Do the same rituals over and over such as washing hands, locking and unlocking doors, counting, keeping unneeded items, or repeating the same steps again and again

  • Can't control the unwanted thoughts and behaviors

  • Don't get pleasure when performing the behaviors or rituals, but get brief relief from the anxiety the thoughts cause

  • Spend at least 1 hour a day on the thoughts and rituals, which cause distress and get in the way of daily life.

Text taken from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: When Unwanted Thoughts Take Over

(NIMH).

 

*Disclaimer: This content is provided for general information purposes only. The information contained within this page does not constitute medical or pharmaceutical advice, which should be sought from qualified medical and pharmaceutical advisers.