Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder that occurs when a person becomes caught in a cycle of obsessions and compulsions.
Obsessions
Obsessions are unwanted intrusive thoughts, images or impulses that occur over and over again and feel outside of the person’s control. People with OCD find obsessions to be disturbing and, in most cases, they realize that these thoughts don’t make sense. Obsessions are typically accompanied by intense and uncomfortable feelings such as fear, disgust, doubt or a feeling that things have to be done in a way that is “just right.”
Common obsessions pertain to:
Contamination
Violence
Responsibility
Perfectionism
Sexuality
Religion/morals
Identity
Compulsions
Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or thoughts a person uses in an attempt to neutralize, counteract or extinguish obsessions. People with OCD realize that engaging in compulsions is only a temporary solution to rid themselves of obsessions, but without a better way to cope they rely on the compulsion as a temporary escape. Compulsions can also include avoiding situations that trigger obsessions.
Common compulsions include:
Washing and cleaning
Checking
Repeating
Engaging in mental rituals
Seeking reassurance
Most people experience occasional intrusive thoughts. In order for a diagnosis of obsessive compulsive disorder to be made, the cycle of obsessions and compulsions becomes so frequent and extreme that it causes significant distress, consumes a considerable amount of time and interferes with daily functioning.
