Understanding Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
OCD Foundation, Inc.
October 1, 1995
WHAT IS OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER (OCD)?
OCD is characterized by recurrent, unwanted and unpleasant thoughts (obsessions), and/or repetitive, ritualistic behaviors, which the person feels driven to perform (compulsions). People with OCD know their obsessions and compulsions are irrational or excessive, yet find they have little or no control over them.
Typical obsessions: Dirt, germs and contamination; fear of acting on violent or aggressive impulses; feeling overly responsible for the safety of others--for example, unreasonable fear of having run over someone with a car; abhorrent religious (blasphemous) and sexual thoughts; inordinate concern with order, arrangement, or symmetry, inability to discard useless or worn out possessions.
Typical compulsions: Excessive washing (particularly handwashing or bathing), cleaning, checking and repetitive actions such as touching, counting, arranging, or hoarding.
Other possible symptoms: People with OCD may become demoralized or depressed. Feelings of intense anxiety, discomfort, or disgust are common. Other forms of behavior that may be related to OCD are the urge to pluck out eyebrows or strands of hair (trichotillomania), the preoccupation with a minor or imagined bodily defect (body dysmorphic disorder), severe or extreme nailbiting, or the unfounded fear of having a serious illness (hypochondriasis).
A person can have a few or many of these symptoms, which can vary during the course of the disorder.
HOW MANY PEOPLE SUFFER FROM OCD?
OCD was once thought to be rare. It is now estimated that up to 3 percent of the U.S. population may suffer from ocd at some point in their lives (about 5 million people).
WHAT IS THE COURSE OF THE DISORDER?
The disorder usually begins in adolescence or ...
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