obsessions (top of page)

Typically, those with OCD have excessive concerns about one or more of the following :

Dirt, germs, or contamination
Order or symmetry
Responsibility for the safety of others
Fear of acting out violent thoughts
Troublesome sexual or sacrilegious thoughts
Fear of making mistakes

compulsions (top of page)

One or more of the following rituals are typically performed in order to obtain relief from obsessions:

Excessive, ritualistic washing or cleaning
Repetitive checking, touching, counting, ordering, or arranging
Accumulating "useless" objects
Extreme slowness in everyday activities
Excessive staring or scanning
Asking over and over for reassurance
Excessive list making
Mental rituals
Avoidance of activities that might trigger the obsessions

other symptoms (top of page)

Those with OCD may also become very anxious, depressed, or demoralized, and may experience intense discomfort or shame. OCD symptoms may increase in severity during times of stress. OCD can be seriously disabling, and may negatively impact the social and professional lives of those who suffer from the disorder.

related disorders (top of page)

Some disorders that may be related to OCD are :

Trichotillomania (the urge to pluck out eyebrows or strands of hair)

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (an obsession with a minor or imagined body defect)

Hypochondriasis (an unfounded fear of having a serious illness)

more facts about OCD (top of page)

OCD may be caused by an inherited predisposition combined with thought patterns and behaviors that have been learned. It may have biochemical, cognitive and behavioral components.

It is usually recognized during adolescence or early adulthood, but it may also appear in childhood.

Approximately 2 to 3 % of the North American population suffer from OCD at some point in their lives. Without effective treatment, OCD is usually a lifelong disability, with symptoms that vary from mild to severe.

treatments (top of page)

The recommended treatments for OCD are cognitive-behavior therapy and/or certain medications. These treatments can be effective even for severe cases of OCD.

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