The key features of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) are obsessions and compulsions. Most people have both, but for some it may seem as though they have only one or the other.
Obsessions are unwanted and distressing thoughts, ideas, or urges that keep entering your mind. They can feel intrusive, repetitive, and distressing. You may find yourself trying to ignore them. You may try to stop or undo them with a compulsion.
Compulsions are repetitive physical or mental acts that you feel you have to do to relieve the distress you feel because of the obsessions. They may reduce or prevent any anxiety, but in most cases, they do not help. Compulsions can take a lot of time to do, often more than one hour each day. They can interfere with personal relationships and normal activities at home, school, or work. Usually, people with OCD know the compulsion is senseless. However, he or she feels helpless to stop doing it and may need to repeat the compulsion over and over again. Sometimes this is described as a ritual.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder can begin in childhood, but it usually starts in young adulthood and continues throughout life. Many people with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder also have depression or another mental health disorder.
Contamination
Doubting
Ordering
Religious
Aggressive
Sexual
Sexual thoughts involving children or incest
Cleaning/Washing
Checking
Ordering/Arranging
Mental Rituals
Hoarding
OCD may be treated with:
Treatment usually involves a combination of therapy and medicines. For severe OCD that does not respond to talk therapy and medicine, brain surgery or electrical stimulation of specific areas of the brain may be considered. Examples of electrical stimulation are:
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.