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What Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric condition affecting the way people think and behave. Troublesome thoughts called obsessions come constantly. The thoughts may be about violence, fear of something bad happening, or worry about forgetting something. People may feel the need to repeat something. These behaviors, called compulsions, are done because of the thoughts. For example, wondering whether the door is locked may lead to checking the lock several times.

OCD usually begins in the late teens to early 20s. Symptoms may sometimes improve but never really go away.

What Causes OCD?

The cause is unknown.

What Are the Symptoms of OCD?

Common obsessions include aggressive thoughts, such as seeing violent images or having fears of harming others or oneself, of doing something embarrassing, of acting on impulses, of feeling responsible for things going wrong, and of something terrible happening. People with contamination obsessions are excessively focused on body waste, dirt, or germs; are overly concerned with contaminants; and are worried about becoming sick to a degree beyond reasonable expectations. Other obsessions are sexual, hoarding or collecting, and religious. Obsessions involve socially unacceptable behaviors, so people feel guilty and anxious.

The many compulsions include repeating rituals and cleaning or hand washing, counting, checking, and ordering or arranging compulsions. For example, people may get up several times during the night to make sure that appliances were turned off, doors were locked, and windows were closed. Or people must have clothes, shoes, or dishes in a certain order or pointing in a certain direction to get relief from anxiety. People may not want to do these behaviors but often cannot control them. These compulsive behaviors can take up a large part the day and make it hard to complete other more productive activities.

How Is OCD Diagnosed?

The health care provider usually bases the diagnosis of OCD on symptoms: feelings of distress plus the problem behaviors. Symptoms usually get worse during stress. People who feel that obsessions and compulsions take up most of their time and are disturbed by this need treatment. Family members or co-workers may point out the symptoms.

How Is OCD Treated?

Treatment goals are to reduce the symptoms and minimize their interference in life. Behavior therapy reduces the compulsions, such as frequent hand washing. People may need a combination of medicines and behavioral treatment. Medicines called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluvoxamine, sertraline, and fluoxetine, are often used.

DOs and DON’Ts in Managing OCD:

  • DO tell your health care provider if your symptoms persist or worsen after having treatment for some time.
  • DO tell your health care provider if you have new symptoms or you don’t feel well from your medicine.
  • DO exercise in moderation.
  • DO call your health care provider if you have physical symptoms such as chest pains or palpitations or you have suicidal or homicidal thoughts.
  • DO call your health care provider if your obsessions become bizarre. Psychosis may occur with OCD.
  • DON’T take drugs that stimulate you or make you nervous. These drugs include such illicit drugs as phencyclidine (PCP) and cocaine.
  • DON’T eat or drink foods and beverages with caffeine.
FOR MORE INFORMATION

Contact the following sources:

  • American Psychiatric Association
    Tel: (888) 357-7924
    Website: http://www.psych.org
  • American Psychological Association
    Tel: (800) 374-2721
    Website: http://www.apa.org

Copyright © 2016 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc.

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