Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

People with OCD are overwhelmed by disturbing thoughts that are intrusive, seem uncontrollable, and cause intense anxiety. These are called obsessions. To reduce the discomfort generated by the obsessions, an individual might do certain things repeatedly in a ritualistic manner (e.g., check to see if the stove is turned off, handwashing, asking for reassurance, etc.). These are called compulsions, and may relieve the discomfort, but only temporarily. This pattern eventually develops into a vicious cycle of obsessions and a complicated web of compulsions. About 1 in 50 Americans, as many as 5 million, have OCD at some point in their lives. OCD can happen to anyone, and usually begins in adolescence or early adulthood, but also commonly occurs in children.

Associated Features

• Causes the person to become very upset
• Takes up more than 1 hour per day
• Reduces the ability to engage in daily life activities

Obsessions

• Contamination fears of germs, dirt, etc.
• Doubts about safety, having harmed self or others
• Need for symmetry, exactness, order, having things “just right”
• Fear of making mistakes, acting socially inappropriate
• Intrusive sexual thoughts or urges
• Excessive religious/moral doubts, having forbidden thoughts
• Need to tell, ask, confess

Compulsions

• Washing
• Checking
• Repeating
• Touching
• Counting
• Ordering/Arranging
• Hoarding/Collecting/Saving
• Praying