obsessive compulsive
disorder
"I'm can't stop thinking about
how I'm going to get sick if I don't keep the germs away.
My hands
are raw from washing them so much and I disinfect the whole house
several
times a day to make sure the germs are gone. This helps for
an hour or two, but then
the obsessive thoughts return."
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Symptoms:
Some common symptoms are:
- persistent unwanted thoughts or
images
- persistent doubts (i.e. checking
locks, stoves, etc.)
- frequent thoughts of aggression or
violence
- extreme need for orderliness
- feel unable to control unwanted
thoughts
- need to perform ritual acts (i.e.
checking the clock or washing hands repeatedly) to prevent or
get rid of the unwanted thoughts
- feel unable to control rituals
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD):
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
has two components: obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are the
persistent unwanted thoughts or images that you feel unable to
control. Compulsions are the rituals that you perform in an attempt
to prevent or get rid of the obsessive thoughts.
People with OCD do
not find the rituals enjoyable, but feel drawn to do them because
they provide temporary relief from the obsessive thoughts. They
realize that the behaviors are irrational but feel unable to control
them.
Obsessive compulsive disorder is diagnosed when you spend at least
an hour a day doing compulsive activities to find relief from the
obsessions, and the condition
interferes with your daily life.
A few common obsessions are unwanted thoughts of violence or harming
others, obsessions with germs, or an obsession with order.
OCD can occur with other anxiety disorders, depression, or agoraphobia.
Related
information:
Frequently
Asked Questions about Anxiety
Anxiety
Self-quiz
Types
of Anxiety Disorders
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