Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

features a pattern of unwanted thoughts and fears known as obsessions. These obsessions lead you to do repetitive behaviors, also called compulsions. These obsessions and compulsions get in the way of daily activities and cause a lot of distress.

Symptoms

Obsessive-compulsive disorder usually includes both obsessions and compulsions. But it's also possible to have only obsession symptoms or only compulsion symptoms. You may or may not know that your obsessions and compulsions are beyond reason. But they take up a great deal of time, reduce your quality of life, and get in the way of your daily routines and responsibilities.

Obsessions have a theme and of:

  • Fear of contamination or dirt.
  • Doubting and having a hard time dealing with uncertainty.
  • Needing things to be orderly and balanced.
  • Aggressive or horrific thoughts about losing control and harming yourself or others.

Examples are:

  • Fear of being contaminated by touching objects others have touched.
  • Intense stress when objects aren't orderly or facing a certain way.
  • Images of driving your car into a crowd of people.
  • Unpleasant sexual images.

Compulsion Symptoms

repetitive behaviors that you feel driven to do. These repetitive behaviors or mental acts are meant to reduce anxiety related to your obsessions or prevent something bad from happening. But taking part in the compulsions brings no pleasure and may offer only limited relief from anxiety.

  • Washing and cleaning.
  • Checking.
  • Counting.
  • Ordering.

Causes

The cause of obsessive-compulsive disorder isn't fully understood. Main theories include:

  • Biology

    may be due to changes in your body's natural chemistry or brain functions.

  • Genetics

    may have a genetic component, but specific genes have yet to be found.

  • Learning

    Obsessive fears and compulsive behaviors can be learned from watching family members or learning them over time.

Prevention

There's no sure way to prevent obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, getting treated as soon as possible may help keep OCD from getting worse and disrupting activities and your daily routine. sleep:

MindLoom Copyright 2023