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Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an Anxiety Disorder affecting many people with recurring and unwanted thoughts, ideas, sensations or obsessions. These make them feel driven to perform repeated compulsive acts. Behaviors such as repetitive hand-washing, checking for locked doors and windows, or constantly checking for messages on smartphones are just a few examples. The key is, do these repetitive behaviors interfere with a person’s normal daily activities or not?
Beyond Personal Control
It is quite common for most people to focus on thoughts or repeat behaviors, But normally they don’t interfere or disrupt normal daily life. For those people with OCD, the thoughts or behaviors occur over and over and seem beyond the person control. These obsessions are often accompanied by uncomfortable feelings such as fear, doubt, disgust or a feeling that things have to be “just so.” These obsessions get in the way of normal routine and differ from a downright disorder rather than an obsessive personality trait.
The Second Half
Compulsions are the second half of this disorder. These are repetitive behaviors rather than thoughts. Often people with OCD rely on compulsions as a temporary escape from situations that trigger obsessions. An example of an obsession would be constantly washing of hands or taking repetitive showers. An obsession could be a constant concern about straightness or evenness. The compulsive behavior would be constantly straightening pictures hanging on the wall.
Treatment
The most effective treatments for OCD are Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and medications that include a Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SRI) which are also used as an antidepressant.
This report is not a diagnosis. We hope this information can guide you toward improving your life.
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