What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
For people with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), obsessions are a way of coping with anxieties. Symptoms include racing thoughts, repeated unwanted thoughts or compulsive behaviors, and rituals such as the repeated checking of door locks. For example, people may deal with unwanted sexual thoughts by cleaning themselves so that their hands bleed.
OCD is a cycle of thoughts and events that are difficult for an individual to control. The obsessive thoughts racing through the mind create a sense of urgency, leading to a compulsive (repeated) behavior as a way to bring relief. The feeling is so brief that the individual is compelled to repeat the cycle over and over again. The repetition of a behavior may bring high levels of anxiety. Obsessive Compulsive Disorders are treatable with a combination of medication, psychotherapy and behavior modification.
Symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorders may include:
- Senseless, upsetting, or bizarre thoughts or images.
- Try but fail to block troubling or bizarre thoughts.
- Worry excessively about dirt, germs, or other contamination.
- Compelled to think certain thoughts or perform certain activities.
- Wash or clean excessively.
- Check things repeatedly.
- Do the same thing over and over again.
- Cannot carry on normal daily routines because of intrusive thoughts.
