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What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), according to the National Institute of Mental Health is categorized as an anxiety disorder. The main telltale signs of the disorder are recurrent thoughts or obsessions and/or behaviors that are repetitive, called compulsions.

Repetitive behavior examples are when individuals repeatedly wash their hands, count items, or check on things over and over again. It can also be seen in someone who is compulsive about cleaning. Other common repetitive behaviors involve checking repeatedly to see if the stove is turned off, locking and unlocking a door just to lock it again and again, or repeatedly touching things. Other common obsessions may revolve around frequent thoughts of violence and harming loved ones, or perhaps persistently thinking about performing sexual acts that they person dislikes. Persons who suffer from OCD may also be unusually preoccupied with order and symmetry, so much so, that they have difficulty throwing things out so that they tend to hoard items that they do not need. The performing of rituals or tasks repeatedly becomes to the extent that they interfere with daily living, which is what makes the behavior OCD and not what a person without OCD might do. Persons without OCD may repeatedly check to see if the lights are turned off or stove turned off but do not do this behavior to the point where it interrupts their ability to function. These repetitive tasks are done in the hope of preventing obsessive thoughts or with the intention that by doing them, it will make the thoughts go away. Usually what does happen is that by performing these repetitive tasks, it only provides a temporary relief and increases the anxiety felt which in turn increases the repetitive behavior. This cycle ends up with the compulsive behavior being in control of the person instead of the person being able to control the behavior.

Approximately 2.2 million American adults are affected by OCD. Persons with OCD may also have other disorders such as anxiety disorders or depression or even eating disorders. Men and women have OCD. The symptoms of OCD usually start in childhood, adolescence or in early adulthood. One-third of the adults who have been diagnosed with OCD acquired the first symptoms during their childhood. Research has shown that OCD may be hereditary.

The symptoms of OCD can worsen over time or lessen depending on environment, and if the person is able to avoid the situations that trigger their behavior. OCD responds well to treatment, which may include certain medications, or psychotherapy, which may involve desensitization techniques. There is currently new research being conducted to discover new treatments for those with OCD who do not respond well to traditional therapies. Techniques being researched include augmentation treatments and deep brain stimulation.

Common Symptoms:

Persistent and unwelcome thoughts or images

Urgent need to perform certain tasks or rituals

May be obsessed with dirt or germs to the point of washing hands over and over again

Feel a strong need to check things over and over again

Feel the urge to touch things repeatedly

OCD is listed in the World Health Organization as being one of the top ten most disabling illnesses regarding diminishing the quality of life of the person who suffers from it.