Signs & Symptoms of OCD
OCD, short for obsessive-compulsive disorder, is an anxiety disorder that causes patients to have unreasonable fears and thoughts that they attempt to control by repeating certain behaviors. Learn more about the signs and symptoms of OCD here.
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Obsession
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OCD obsessions involve persistent, repeated thoughts, impulses or images. Common obsessions include the need for extreme orderliness and the fear of contamination from germs or dirt.
Compulsion
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OCD patients typically attempt to control their obsessions by compulsively repeating acts or words, usually according to some specific "rules" they have created. For example, an OCD sufferer might feel compelled to wash his hands exactly 100 times a day.
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Negative Emotions
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OCD obsessions and compulsions are typically accompanied by negative emotions, such as disgust, fear or doubt.
Other OCD Signs
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OCD behavior tends to take up a lot of a patient's time and energy. Many OCD patients have trouble holding on to jobs or having healthy relationships because the obsessions and compulsions are so time-consuming.
Causes
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While the exact cause of OCD isn't fully understood, researchers feel contributing factors are the body's chemistry, learned behavior and insufficient levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain. Some patients develop OCD after a head injury or a strep throat infection.
Treatments
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The primary treatment for OCD includes antidepressant medications that increase serotonin levels. Many OCD patients also undergo psychotherapy or cognitive behavioral therapy.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Creative Commons photo by Estherase
