Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a condition in which you have frequent unwanted thoughts and sensations (obsessions) that cause you to perform repetitive behaviors (compulsions). The repetitive behaviors can significantly interfere with social interactions and performing daily tasks.
OCD is usually a life-long (chronic) condition, but symptoms can come and go over time.
Everyone experiences obsessions and compulsions at some point. For example, it's common to occasionally double-check the stove or the locks. People also often use the phrases "obsessing" and "obsessed" very casually in everyday conversations. But OCD is more extreme. It can take up hours of a person's day. It gets in the way of normal life and activities. Obsessions in OCD are unwanted, and people with OCD don't enjoy performing compulsive behaviors.
What is the difference between OCD and OCPD?
Even though they sound similar, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) are different conditions.
OCPD is a personality disorder that causes an extensive preoccupation with perfectionism, organization and control.
People with OCD are usually aware that their obsessions and compulsions are problematic and accept that they need professional help to treat the condition. People with OCPD usually don't think there's anything wrong with their behavior and beliefs.
Who does OCD affect?
OCD can affect anyone. The average age of onset is 19 years. About 50% of people with OCD begin to have symptoms in childhood and adolescence.
It's rare for someone to develop OCD after the age of 40.
How common is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is relatively common. It affects 1.6% to 2.3% of the general U.S. population.
What are the symptoms of OCD?
The main symptoms of OCD are obsessions and compulsions that interfere with normal activities. For example, symptoms may often prevent you from getting to work on time. Or you may have trouble getting ready for bed in a reasonable amount of time.
You may know that these symptoms are problematic, but you can't stop them. Symptoms of OCD may come and go, ease over time or worsen over time.
If you or your child have symptoms of OCD that interfere with your/their daily life, you should talk to a healthcare provider.
Obsessions in OCD
In OCD, obsessions are unwanted, intrusive thoughts or mental images that cause intense anxiety. People with OCD can't control these thoughts. Most people with OCD realize that these thoughts are illogical or irrational.
Common examples include:
- Fear of coming into contact with perceived contaminated substances, such as germs or dirt.
- Fear of causing harm to yourself or someone else because you're not careful enough or you're going to act on a violent impulse.
- Unwanted thoughts or mental images related to sex.
- Fear of making a mistake.
- Excessive concern with morality ("right or wrong").
- Feelings of doubt or disgust.
- Excessive concern with your sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Need for order, neatness, symmetry or perfection.
- Need for constant reassurance.
Compulsions in OCD
In OCD, compulsions are repetitive actions that you feel like you have to do to ease or get rid of the obsessions.
People with OCD don't want to perform these compulsive behaviors and don't get pleasure from them. But they feel like they have to perform them or their anxiety will get worse. Compulsions only help temporarily, though. The obsessions soon come back, triggering a return to the compulsions.
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A Guide to Mental Disorders
Non-FictionMental Disorders are conditions that affect your thinking, feeling, mood, and behavior. And in this book, I will share with you all kinds of mental disorders. You might want to even check if you yourself might have a mental disorder listed here. Ple...
