The video above shows some of the symptoms that accompany obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is most often classified as an anxiety disorder consisting of 2 parts: recurrent, unwanted thoughts that form part of the obsession component that lead towards ritualistic or repetitive behavior or compulsions. Often, these repetitive behaviors, which may include washing, cleaning or checking, are continued in order to maintain the individual’s psychological well-being or sense of relief. Many times, if these behaviors are ceased or interrupted, the individual expresses increased anxiety. Therefore, these behaviors are carried out by the individual to prevent obsessive thoughts (by carrying out these thoughts through compulsions) and keeping them at bay. Not being able to perform these rituals, which form part of an OCD individual’s daily routine, results in an enormous amount of stress and anxiety. This is the main problem with OCD, because individuals are using their actions to control their thoughts, most of the time these ritualistic behaviors end up controlling their lives. If the OCD is severe, it may even interfere with their daily life: school, work, etc…
According to the National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH), OCD affects about 2.2 million American adults and may be comorbid with eating disorders, other anxiety disorders and depression. Common obsessions related to the disorder often have themes like: fear of contamination, order and symmetry, aggressive impulses or sexuality. Symptoms related to these obsessions may include: fear of being contaminated or dirty, doubts about previously executed behavior (“wondering” if the doors are locked), thoughts about hurting other people, intense distress when things aren’t orderly and organized, images of hurting loved ones if the rituals are broken, and avoidance of situations that may trigger obsessions, among many others. Similar to the obsessions, the compulsions may also have themes such as: counting, checking, washing, and organizing. Checking appliances repeatedly to make sure they are off, washing hands until they become raw, and counting in certain patterns have all been reported as being symptoms of the compulsions related to OCD behaviors.
The exact cause of OCD hasn’t been determined, but a combination of factors such as: biology, environment and insufficient levels of serotonin have been deemed as plausible causes. Moreover, factors that have been pinpointed as increasing the risk for OCD are: family history, stressful life events, and pregnancy. The onset of OCD for children is around 10 while for adults it’s around 21. In order to be diagnosed with OCD, you must meet certain criteria:
- You must have either obsessions or compulsions.
- You must realize that your obsessions and compulsions are excessive or unreasonable.
- Obsessions and compulsions significantly interfere with your daily routine.
The 2 main treatments for OCD are psychotherapy (with CBT being an increasing part of it) and medications: Proxal, Paxil, Zoloft, among others.
Source:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd/index.shtml
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/DS00189/DSECTION=symptoms
