Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Overview
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a chronic mental health disorder characterized by recurring, unwanted thoughts, ideas or sensations (obsessions) that drive an individual to engage in repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions). These obsessions and compulsions interfere with daily activities and cause significant distress. OCD often centers around certain themes, such as fear of germs or the need to arrange objects in a specific manner. Symptoms usually begin gradually and tend to vary in severity throughout life.
Symptoms
The primary symptoms of OCD are obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are repeated, persistent and unwanted urges or images that cause distress or anxiety. These obsessions typically intrude when you're trying to think of or do other things. Compulsions are behaviors that you feel driven to perform. These repetitive behaviors or mental acts are meant to prevent or reduce anxiety related to your obsessions. It's possible to have only obsession symptoms or only compulsion symptoms.
Obsessions
Obsessions often involve themes, such as:
- Fear of contamination or dirt
- Needing things orderly and symmetrical
- Aggressive or horrific thoughts about harming yourself or others
- Unwanted thoughts, including aggression, or sexual or religious subjects
Examples of obsession signs and symptoms include:
- Fear of being contaminated by touching objects others have touched
- Doubts that you've locked the door or turned off the stove
- Intense stress when objects aren't orderly or facing a certain way
- Images of hurting yourself or someone else
- Thoughts about shouting obscenities or acting inappropriately
- Avoidance of situations that can trigger obsessions
- Distress about unpleasant sexual images repeating in your mind
Compulsions
Compulsions typically have themes, such as:
- Washing and cleaning
- Checking
- Counting
- Orderliness
- Following a strict routine
- Demanding reassurances
Examples of compulsion signs and symptoms include:
- Hand-washing until your skin becomes raw
- Checking doors repeatedly to make sure they're locked
- Checking the stove repeatedly to make sure it's off
- Counting in certain patterns
- Silently repeating a prayer, word or phrase
- Arranging your canned goods to face the same way
Causes
The cause of OCD isn't fully understood. Main theories include:
- Biology: OCD may be a result of changes in your body's own natural chemistry or brain functions.
- Genetics: OCD may have a genetic component, but specific genes have yet to be identified.
- Environment: Some environmental factors such as infections are suggested as a trigger for OCD, but more research is needed.
Risk Factors
Factors that may increase the risk of developing or triggering OCD may include:
- Family history: Having parents or other family members with the disorder can increase your risk of developing OCD.
- Stressful life events: If you've experienced traumatic or stressful events, your risk may increase. This reaction may, for some reason, trigger the intrusive thoughts, rituals and emotional distress characteristic of OCD.
- Other mental health disorders: OCD may be related to other mental health disorders, such as anxiety disorders, depression, substance abuse or tic disorders.
Complications
Problems resulting from OCD may include, among others:
- Health issues, such as contact dermatitis from frequent hand-washing
- Inability to attend work, school or social activities
- Troubled relationships
- Overall poor quality of life
- Suicidal thoughts and behavior
Treatment
While OCD can't be cured, it can be treated effectively.
Psychotherapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective for many people with OCD. CBT involves retraining your thought patterns and routines so that compulsive behaviors are no longer necessary.
Medication
Certain psychiatric medications can help control the obsessions and compulsions of OCD. Most commonly, SSRIs are tried first.
Prevention
There's no sure way to prevent OCD. However, getting treatment as soon as possible may help prevent OCD from worsening and negatively affecting your life.