What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by intrusive obsessive thoughts that result in compulsive ritualistic behaviors and routines. While it's possible to have only obsessive symptoms or only compulsive symptoms, they usually occur in conjunction. People suffering from OCD experience uncontrollable, distressing thoughts or fears about certain things (such as dirt, germs, or order) which then lead to compulsive behaviors performed as an attempt to alleviate worry or anxiety. Just being a "neat freak" or afraid of germs doesn't necessarily constitute OCD - OCD is diagnosed by obsessions and compulsions which significantly interfere with daily life.

Read about Identifying and Treating OCD in Children.

Symptoms Symptoms of OCD can be divided into obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are described as being "ego-dystonic", which means that even though the person who experiences them recognizes them as their own thoughts, they feel the obsessions are outside of their control. Obsessions that are symptomatic of OCD include: Severe anxiety and obsessive thoughts regarding contamination and germs

Worrying about having done something bad by accident (e.g., accidentally running someone over with a car)

Worrying about having forgotten something important (e.g., forgetting to lock a door)

Needing to have things in a particular order (e.g., having things arranged symmetrically)

Fear of social embarrassment that triggers compulsions

Repeated thoughts or images

Inability to control intrusive thoughts In diagnosed OCD, sufferers will usually spend at least an hour a day dealing with intrusive thoughts or compulsions. Compulsions are repetitive physical or mental actions that a person engages in to reduce anxiety. Often, the compulsion is designed to counteract or undo an obsession. Compulsions that are symptomatic of OCD include: Excessive checking (e.g., checking repeatedly to make sure doors are locked or to make sure some type of mistake wasn't made)

Excessive counting

Repetitive praying Symptoms of OCD may increase or decrease in severity during one's lifespan, and are often the most intense when a person is under stress.

Causes On average, one-third of adults who will be afflicted by the condition shows signs of OCD as children and are later diagnosed around age 19. Over 3 million Americans suffer from OCD each year, and OCD does not seem to affect one gender more than another. Research has yet to provide evidence-based, direct causes of OCD. However, the following factors are noted as possible contributors to the disorder: Family history of OCD

Abnormal levels of serotonin in the brain

Experiencing a highly stressful or traumatic event

Depression In order to qualify for a diagnosis of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, someone must have either obsessions or compulsions (or both) and these must interfere with their daily functioning. The person must also recognize, to some degree, that the obsessions and/or compulsions are excessive or unreasonable.