OCD symptoms and treatment

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by persistent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that an individual feels driven to perform in response to the obsessions. The symptoms can significantly interfere with daily life, relationships, and work.

Symptoms of OCD

1. Obsessions (Intrusive Thoughts)
Obsessions are persistent, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that cause significant anxiety or distress. Common obsessions include:

• Fear of contamination: Concern about dirt, germs, or toxins.
• Fear of harming others or self: Intrusive thoughts about causing accidents or violence.
• Need for symmetry or order: A strong desire for things to be symmetrical or in a particular order.
• Fear of making mistakes: A constant concern that something is wrong or will go wrong.
• Fear of immoral thoughts: Worrying about having taboo or unethical thoughts.

2. Compulsions (Repetitive Behaviors)
Compulsions are repetitive actions or mental rituals performed to reduce the distress caused by obsessions. Common compulsions include:

• Cleaning rituals: Repeated washing or cleaning to alleviate fears of contamination.
• Checking behaviors: Repeatedly checking locks, appliances, or doors to ensure safety.
• Counting or repeating actions: Counting items or repeating phrases or actions in specific patterns.
• Arranging items: Compulsively organizing or aligning objects to achieve symmetry or order.
• Mental rituals: Repeating specific phrases or prayers mentally to reduce anxiety or prevent harm.

Note: The compulsions provide temporary relief from the anxiety caused by the obsessions but do not prevent the obsessive thoughts from returning.

Diagnosis of OCD

OCD is diagnosed through a comprehensive assessment by a mental health professional, which may involve:

• A detailed history of the symptoms and their impact on daily life.
• Questionnaires or diagnostic tools like the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS).
• Rule out other mental health conditions, such as anxiety disorders or depression, that may cause similar symptoms.