Signs & Symptoms of OCD in Adults

OCD is short for obsessive compulsive disorder, a type of anxiety disorder that results in intrusive and stressful behavior patterns. Its root causes have yet to be fully understood, though it probably results from a combination of biochemical factors and learned habits. While there is no "cure" for OCD, is it very treatable, and with proper therapy, patients can learn to minimize its impact on their lives. If you know how to recognize the signs and symptoms of OCD in adults, you can take steps to address them by seeking out a trained doctor or therapist.

Obsessions

The signs and symptoms of OCD stem primarily from intrusive or obsessive thoughts that spring into the mind. The thoughts arrive seemingly without warning and resist any attempts to control or mitigate them. Their exact nature varies by patient, though they are usually quite disturbing and traumatic. Common obsessive thoughts include fears about cleanliness, a fixation on symmetrical numbers, worries about being attacked or impulses towards horrifying behavior.

Compulsions

In many (though not all cases) an adult OCD patient develops a series of rituals in order to mitigate the anxiety created by his obsessive thoughts. Particulars vary but may be connected to the thoughts in a very direct way. For example a patient obsessed with cleanliness may wash her hands over and over again, while one worried about burglars may check his front door multiple times to make sure it's locked, even though he knows full well that it is.

Disruption

The patient's compulsive rituals often become quite time consuming, taking up hours at a time in the worst cases. It can have a devastating effect on the patient's personal life. School and work routines may become disrupted , interpersonal relationships may suffer and overall quality of life diminishes quite a bit.

Depression

The disturbing nature of the thoughts themselves can lead to further emotional problems in the adult OCD patient, including depression, drug and alcohol abuse and the development of additional anxiety disorders. When coupled with the disruption in other aspects of the adult patient's life, it may create a vicious circle: further exacerbating the trauma of the intrusive thoughts and leading to suicidal behavior in the worst cases.

Skin Problems

Adult OCD patients who engage in obsessive hand-washing rituals may develop dermatological problems as a result. The skin of the hands becomes raw and cracked with so much scrubbing, leading to conditions like contact dermatitis and infected sores.