Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – an overview

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is characterized by obsessions, compulsions, or both. Obsessions are recurring, persistent, unwanted, anxiety-provoking, intrusive ideas, images, or urges. Compulsions (also called rituals) are certain actions or mental acts that people feel driven to repeatedly perform to try to lessen or prevent the anxiety caused by the obsessions.

Most obsessive-compulsive thoughts and behaviours are related to concerns about harm or risk.

Doctors diagnose the disorder when a person has obsessions, compulsions, or both.

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is slightly more common among women than men and affects about 1 to 2% of the population.
• On average, OCD begins at about age 19 to 20 years, but over 25% of cases begin before age 14 (see also Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Children and Adolescents).
• Up to 30% of people with OCD have had or have a tic disorder.

OCD differs from psychotic disorders, which are characterized by loss of contact with reality, although in a very small minority of OCD cases there is no insight. OCD also differs from obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, although people with these disorders may have some of the same characteristics, such as being orderly or reliable or being a perfectionist.

OCDs are diagnosed using specific established criteria.

Whatever form of OCDs you have, treatment can help.

Do you know …

Most people with obsessive-compulsive disorder know that their obsessions and compulsions are irrational.

Common Signs and Symptoms of OCD

People with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have obsessions—thoughts, images, or urges that occur over and over even though people do not want them to. These obsessions intrude even when people are thinking about and doing other things. Also, obsessions usually cause great distress or anxiety. The obsessions usually involve thoughts of harm, risk, or danger.

Common obsessions include the following:

• Concerns about contamination (for example, worrying that touching doorknobs will cause disease)
• Doubts (for example, worrying that the front door was not locked)
• Concern that items are not perfectly lined up or even

Because the obsessions are not pleasurable, people often try to ignore and/or control them.

Compulsions (also called rituals) are one way people respond to their obsessions. For example, they may feel driven to do something—repetitive, purposeful, and intentional—to try to prevent or relieve the anxiety caused by their obsessions.

Common compulsions include the following:

• Washing or cleaning to be rid of contamination.
• Checking to allay doubt (for example, checking many times to make sure a door is locked)
• Counting (for example, repeating an action a certain number of times)
• Ordering (for example, arranging tableware or workspace items in a specific pattern)

Most rituals, such as excessive handwashing or repeated checking to make sure a door has been locked, can be observed. Other rituals, such as repetitive counting or quietly mumbling statements intended to diminish danger, cannot be observed.

Rituals may have to be done in a precise way according to rigid rules. The rituals may or may not be logically connected to the obsession. When compulsions are logically connected to the obsession (for example, showering to avoid being dirty or checking the stove to prevent fire), they are clearly excessive. For example, people may shower for hours each day or always check the stove 30 times before they leave the house. All obsessions and rituals are time-consuming. People may spend hours each day on them. They may cause so much distress or interfere with functioning so much that people are incapacitated.

Most people with OCD have both obsessions and compulsions.

Most people with OCD are somewhat aware that their obsessive thoughts do not reflect actual risks and that their compulsive behaviors are excessive. However, a few people are convinced that their obsessions are well-founded and that their compulsions are reasonable.

OCD can prevent people from doing what they usually enjoy and starts to affect the physical, mental, emotional and social well-being. They may develop various physical symptoms. They may stop their activities, withdraw socially, and become preoccupied with health. The mind-body complex is now fully affected and becomes a vicious circle which keeps an individual in suffering mode.

Your obsessions and compulsions may not go away on their own, and they may get worse over time if you don’t seek help. See your Homeopathic doctor before your OCD gets worse. It’s quicker to treat if you get help early.