About Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is an anxiety disorder which impacts all aspects of everyday life. Sufferers demonstrate behaviors that are upsetting both to them, families, colleagues and friends. OCD is estimated to affect 2-3% of the general population.

What are obsessions and compulsions?

Obsessions are recurrent and persistent thoughts, impulses or images that cause anxiety or distress. A sufferer recognizes that the obsessions are the products of his or her mind, and tries to suppress them or to neutralize them with some other thought or action.

Compulsions are repetitive behaviors that are in response to an obsession in order to reduce distress or prevent a dreaded event or situation. Compulsion are either completely inappropriate or clearly excessive.

What sort of compulsions do people suffer from?

Common compulsions are hand washing, ordering, checking, praying, counting, and repeating words silently.

What impact do obsessions and compulsions have on everyday life?

Both obsessions and compulsions can be resisted only with great difficulty and usually only for a short period of time.
They are very distressing, time consuming, and can significantly interfere with work and social patterns and personal relationships. The disorder is often accompanied by depression and anxiety, as well as by the misuse of substances such as alcohol, in an attempt to self-medicate.

What causes OCD?

There are several theories about the cause of OCD. Current thinking is that this condition is related to low levels of the brain chemical Seratonin.   It appears OCD may run in some families for genetic reasons.

What is the outlook?

Untreated, OCD is usually a lifelong illness with periodic worsening and improvement of symptoms. With treatment, obsessions and compulsions can be reduced.

What treatment is available?

Treatment usually consists of cognitive/behavior therapy and/or medication.

Behavior therapy helps people reduce the anxiety associated with obsession and reduce or eliminate compulsions. Sufferers are usually encouraged to face feared situations without resorting to compulsive rituals. Other techniques to address specific obsessions or compulsions are sometimes used.

The most successful medications are SSRI's. Other anti-depressant, and anti-anxiety drugs are sometimes used.

This page contains basic information. If you are concerned about your health, you should consult a doctor.