Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder that traps people in repetitive thoughts and behavioral rituals that can be completely disabling.
Obsessions are usually exaggerated versions of concerns and worries. They may be triggered by objects, situations, smells or something heard. It can change in nature and severity and do not respond to logic. Obsessional anxiety leads to compelling need for certainty and control. Obsessions can produce feelings ranging from annoyance and discomfort to distress, disgust and panic. Common obsessions include:
- Fear of contamination from germs, dirt, poisons, and other physical and environmental substances
- Fear of harm from illness, accidents or death that may occur to oneself or to others
- Excessive concern with symmetry, exactness and orderliness
- Excessive concerns about illness, religious issues or morality
- Needing to know and remember things.
Compulsions are repetitive actions that are often carried out in a ritualistic manner. They are usually performed to reduce the anxiety the obsessive thought creates, or to make things feel right. Common compulsions include:
- Excessive hand washing, showering and tooth brushing
- Excessive cleaning and washing of house, household items, food, car and other areas
- Excessive checking of things associated with safety
- Repeating routine activities
- Applying rigid rules to the placement of objects (furniture, clothes)
- Touching, tapping or moving in a particular way or a certain number of times
- Mentally repeating words or numbers a certain number of times, or concentrating on “safe” numbers.
OCD may take up many hours of a person’s day and can interfere with family and social relationships. They can also have a negative effect on education and employment. OCD can make it difficult for people to perform everyday activities, some may become housebound. OCD is often compounded by depression and other anxiety disorders.
OCD most often manifests during adolescence or early adulthood. Scientists believe that both a neurobiological predisposition and environmental factors jointly cause the intrusive thoughts and the compulsive behaviors that appease the unwanted thoughts.
Psychological treatment such as cognitive behaviour therapy can improve symptoms, and this improvement is often maintained in the long-term. Other treatments can include anxiety management techniques, support groups, education and medications.