How to Identify Characteristics of Obessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, also referred to as OCD, is a treatable psychological disorder affecting approximately 2 million Americans. Often confused with Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder and other psychological disorders, OCD remains, as a whole, under-treated and under-diagnosed. These steps can help determine if you or someone you know may have OCD.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• observations

1. LOOK FOR IRRATIONAL OBSESSIONS. Although many of us engage in some form of obsessive thought or activity, what distinguishes those with OCD is that the obsessions are clearly irrational, interfering with daily life, relationships and work. People with Obsession Compulsive Disorder know that their obsessions are irrational, but they do not know how to stop it. Examples of possible obsessions are...
   
   "contamination fears of germs, dirt, ect. Imagining having harmed self or others, imagining losing control or aggressive urges, intrusive sexual thoughts or urges, excessive religious or moral doubt, forbidden thoughts, a need to have things 'just so', a need to tell, ask and confess compulsions, washing, repeating, checking touching and counting." (2006, Obsessive Compulsive Foundation).

2. LOOK FOR REPEATED COMPULSIONS. People with OCD are disturbed by their obsessive thoughts and worries, so they engage in compulsions to relieve themselves of the anxiety associated with the obsession. These behaviors are often repeated excessively (i.e. constantly washing hands to relieve anxiety of spreading bacteria or germs), interferring significantly with one's life. Another common compulsion involves 'checking things', such as the stove, in order to relieve the anxiety that they are left on. A person with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder may check their stoves all day long, preventing them from going to places like work and interferring with relationships.

3. LOOK FOR HOARDING BEHAVIOR. Although not found in every case of OCD, hoarding items or animals may reflect the person has generalized anxiety about the world. The objects they choose to hoard are symbols of safety and comfort from that anxiety. This would be classified as a compulsion.

Tips & Warnings

• If you suspect you or someone you love may have Obsession Compulsive Disorder, treatment is available that can drastically improve the functioning of daily life. It is important to seek treatment.
• Seek professional diagnosis and help- many people are not aware that treatment for this psychological disorder is available
• OCD may be confused with Obsessive Compulsion Personality Disorder. This difference is that those with OCPD are not aware there is a problem.
• OCD may be confused with Body Dysmorphic Disorder as well. However, those with OCD are aware that their obsessions are irrational.
• OCD may be confused with generalized anxiety disorder. Unlike OCD, these people are not driven to complete compulsions.

Resources

• OCD Foundation

[sunnyglitter]

on 7/11/2009 I used to be unable to sleep because I'd check my alarm clock all night long and make sure I locked the front door. OCD can be very stressful, and often accompanies other disorders. 5*

[DragonLilly]

on 7/5/2009 Excellent article.

[jrosengarten]

on 6/8/2009 I am so forwarding this to a friend of mine. I just know she is OCD but so far hasn't done a thing about it.

[estokes]

on 6/5/2009 very interesting and very well-written! Awesome work 5*

[dorigillman]

on 6/4/2009 great article on ocd. it sounds awful.