Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is when someone has consistent and unwanted thoughts known as obsessions which make them feel anxious or uncomfortable. To avoid the distress, they do repetitive actions called compulsions such as checking, cleaning, or counting. This often gets in the way of everyday life and activities.
Symptoms
Small clues, big meaning.
What You Might Feel:
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Extreme cleanliness
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Need for order, symmetry, or perfection
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Fear of making a mistake
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Washing hands continuously
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Number rituals
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Same compulsions everyday
What You Might Notice Emotionally:
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Anxiety
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Fear
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Disgust
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Overwhelmed feeling
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Frustration
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helplessness
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People with OCD can feel anxiety because their obsessions highlight things that feel dangerous, dirty, or wrong, even when they are not. These thoughts can feel intense and uncontrollable causing a person to feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or helpless. They perform repetitive actions (compulsions) to try to feel better.
Did You Know?
OCD Quick Facts
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1 in 40 adults and 1 in 100 children are affected by OCD
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researchers are now able to see physical differences in brain function of people with OCD
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Effective treatment for OCD includes cognitive behavioral therapy
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OCD can be influenced by genetics and the environment
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In some cases, people with OCD have insight that their thoughts are illogical
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obsessions and compulsions of OCD are ego-dystonic which means they differ from ones real thoughts