Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, OCD, is an anxiety disorder and is characterized by recurrent, unwanted ideas (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Repetitive behaviors for example handwashing, counting, checking, or cleaning in many cases are performed with the hope of stopping obsessive thoughts or creating them go away. Performing these so-called "rituals," nevertheless, supplies only temporary relief, and not performing them markedly will increase anxiety.Men and women with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have persistent, upsetting thoughts (obsessions) and use rituals (compulsions) to manage the anxiety these ideas produce. Nearly all of time, the rituals end up controlling them. (Read more on NIMH)
OCD Symptoms
According to WebMD, The symptoms of OCD, which are the obsessions and compulsions, may vary. Common obsessions include:
- Fear of dirt or contamination by germs.
- Fear of causing harm to another.
- Fear of making a mistake.
- Fear of being embarrassed or behaving in a socially unacceptable manner.
- Fear of thinking evil or sinful thoughts.
- Need for order, symmetry, or exactness.
- Excessive doubt and the need for constant reassurance.
Common compulsions include:
- Repeatedly bathing, showering, or washing hands.
- Refusing to shake hands or touch doorknobs.
- Repeatedly checking things, such as locks or stoves.
- Constant counting, mentally or aloud, while performing routine tasks.
- Constantly arranging things in a certain way.
- Eating foods in a specific order.
- Being stuck on words, images or thoughts, usually disturbing, that won't go away and can interfere with sleep.
- Repeating specific words, phrases, or prayers.
- Needing to perform tasks a certain number of times.
- Collecting or hoarding items with no apparent value.
