Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
People with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) suffer from unwanted and intrusive thoughts that they can't seem to get out of their heads (obsessions), often compelling them to repeatedly perform ritualistic behaviors and routines (compulsions) to try and ease their anxiety. Most people who have OCD are aware that their obsessions and compulsions are irrational, yet they feel powerless to stop them. Some spend hours at a time performing complicated rituals involving hand-washing, counting, or checking to ward off persistent, unwelcome thoughts, feelings, or images. Others live in fear that their thoughts will cause harm to someone or that they will blurt out an improper statement or throw something out by mistake.
Common obsessions:
Constant, irrational worry about dirt, germs, or contamination
Excessive concern with order, arrangement, or symmetry
Fear that negative or blasphemous thoughts or images 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
Common compulsions:
Cleaning:Repeatedly washing hands, bathing, or cleaning household items, often for hours at a time
Checking:Checking and rechecking, 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 tune
Hoarding:Difficulty throwing away useless items such as old newspapers or magazines, bottle caps or rubber bands
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
Obsessions and rituals can substantially interfere with a person's normal routine, schoolwork, job, family, or social activities. Several hours every day may be spent focusing on obsessive thoughts and performing seemingly senseless rituals. Trying to concentrate on regular daily activities may be difficult. If left untreated, OCD can interfere with all aspects of one's life.
Info provided from adaa.org
