Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder characterized by involuntary, recurring thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors a person feels compelled to perform to reduce the anxiety these thoughts cause (compulsions). OCD can significantly affect a person’s daily life and negatively affect their work, social life and personal relationships. OCD usually begins in adolescence or early adulthood, but it can occur at any age.
What are obsessions?
Obsessions are distressing and uncontrollable thoughts, images or urges that arise involuntarily in a person’s mind. These obsessions often cause intense anxiety and stress.
Common types of obsessions
People find it difficult to stop obsessive thoughts, even though they know these thoughts are irrational or meaningless. The most common types of obsessions are:
- Cleanliness and fear of contamination: An excessive fear of germs, dirt or contamination. A person may feel the need to clean constantly out of concern about becoming contaminated or catching an illness.
- Order and symmetry: Placing excessive importance on objects being arranged in a particular order and symmetrically. Believing that items must be arranged in a specific sequence.
- Fear of danger or harm: Excessive worry about the possibility of harm coming to oneself or loved ones. A person may feel the need to check constantly to ensure safety (such as repeatedly checking whether doors are locked).
- Religious and moral obsessions: Persistent guilt or fear of sinning related to religious or moral beliefs. A person may feel the need to repeat religious rituals constantly.
What are compulsions?
Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that a person feels driven to perform to reduce the intense anxiety caused by obsessions. These behaviors usually occur in response to obsessions and may provide temporary relief. However, this relief is short-lived, and compulsions can negatively affect a person’s daily life. The most common compulsions are:
- Excessive cleaning and washing: Because of their obsessions, a person may constantly wash their hands, shower or disinfect objects.
- Repeated checking: Repeatedly checking whether doors are locked, electrical appliances are switched off or something is in its place.
- Counting and repeating: Repeating a particular action a specific number of times (such as counting steps while walking or touching an object a certain number of times).
- Arranging and symmetry: Constantly rearranging items to ensure they are in a specific order.
