Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a condition in which you have frequent unwanted thoughts and sensations or obsessions that cause you to perform repetitive behaviors or compulsions. Repetitive behaviors can significantly interfere with social interactions and the performance of daily tasks.
OCD is usually a life-long condition, but symptoms can come and go over time. Examples of obsession symptoms include:
OCD is usually a life-long condition, but symptoms can come and go over time. Examples of obsession symptoms include:
- Fear of being contaminated by touching objects others have touched
- Doubts that you’ve locked the door or turned off the stove
- Intense stress when objects aren’t orderly or facing a certain way
- Images of driving your car into a crowd of people
- Thoughts about shouting obscenities or not acting the right way in public
- Unpleasant sexual images
- Avoiding situations that can cause obsessions such as shaking hands
Examples of compulsion symptoms include:
- Hand-washing until your skin becomes raw
- Checking doors over and over again to make sure they are locked
- Checking the stove over and over again to make sure it’s off
- Counting in certain patterns
- Silently repeating words or phrases
- Trying to replace a bad thought with a good thought
- Arranging your canned goods to face the same way
The cause of obsessive-compulsive disorder isn’t fully understood. The main theories of what causes OCD include:
- Biology – OCD may be due to changes in your body’s natural chemistry or brain functions
- Genetics – OCD may have a genetic component, but specific genes have yet to be found
- Learning – Obsessive fears and compulsive behaviors can be learned from watching family members or learning them over time
Many factors can raise the risk of causing obsessive-compulsive disorder, including:
- Family history – having parents or other family members with the disorder can raise your risk of getting OCD.
- Stressful life events – if you have gone through traumatic or stressful events, which may increase your risk. This reaction may cause the intrusive thoughts, rituals, and emotional distress seen in OCD.
- Other mental health disorders – OCD may be related to other mental health disorders, such as anxiety disorders, depression, substance abuse, or tic disorders.
There is no test for OCD as it is sometimes hard to diagnose due to its symptoms being similar to other mental health disorders. A healthcare provider may make a diagnosis after asking about your symptoms and medical and mental health history.
The two main treatments for OCD are psychotherapy and medicines. A combination of both treatments is the most effective.
If you need the assistance and support of a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575, to schedule an appointment.
