Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Definition and Symptoms

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is a mental illness that features unwanted thoughts and obsessions which lead a person to do repeated(Compulsive) behavior. These obsessions and repetitive behaviors influence daily activities and cause significant misery. You may try to ignore or stop your obsessions, but that just increases your pain and anxiety. At last, you start doing compulsive tasks for removing the distress. Despite trying to ignore or get rid of these thoughts(Obsessions), they come back again and again. It is called the vicious cycle of OCD. OCD often centered on certain criteria like excessive fear of being affected by germs. And To reduce that fear you compulsively wash your hands until it is wounded. If you have OCD then you may be ashamed or embraced about the situation. But don't be panicked. It can be treated by a registered psychiatrist.

Symptoms:

Generally, both Obsession and Compulsion can be present among people with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. However, it is possible to have only one (Obsession or Compulsion). You may or may not realize that your obsessions and compulsions are extreme or illogical, it will take lots of your time and involve into your daily routine, social, school, or any other work.

Obsession Symptoms:

OCD obsessions trigger repeatedly and constantly which causes unwanted thoughts to keep going through the mind again and again. You may ignore them or try to escape from them by doing compulsive behavior. When you think about avoiding these things or taking action to remove them, generally at this time obsessions come into your mind. Obsessions often have some category. Such as: fear about dirt and pollution, trouble bearing uncertainty. requiring ordered and equable things. Lose balance and have dangerous thoughts about harming themselves and others. Unwanted and unusual thoughts about sex and religion. Some examples according to symptoms are: fear of germs like touching a thing that is touched by another person put the door always closed so that germs can't come into the room fear and continuously check that stove is closed or remained flaming. avoid circumstances that cause obsession like handshaking.

Compulsion Symptoms:

OCD's compulsions or repeated tasks are connected to your obsessions for diminishing anxiety or to stop happening in a bad situation. However, involving in these compulsions doesn't bring any pleasure. It may only bring some temporary relief from intrusive thoughts. You may follow the rules and rituals, which help to handle anxiety when you are having unwanted thoughts. These compulsions are extreme and often not related to the realistic among which problem they are solving. Like obsessions, compulsions also have some patterns. Such as:
  • washing hands until skin becomes raw
  • checking the door repeatedly to ensure it is locked
  • checking the stove, again and again, to ensure it is off.
  • repetition of a prayer, word, or phrase
 OCD generally starts from teen or early-adult age. But it can start from childhood too. Symptoms generally start at a slow level and it varies in severity throughout life. The type of obsessions and compulsions you experience may change over time. These symptoms go worse when you experience much pressure and stress in life. OCD is usually considered a lifetime disorder. It can have mild to moderate symptoms or be so severe and time-consuming that a person may be disabled.

When to see a doctor:
If your obsessions and compulsions are affecting your quality of life, see your doctor or mental health professional.

See Also..
Bipolar Disorder

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