Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can begin at any age from preschool to adulthood. Typically the symptoms begin during the teenage years or early adulthood.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms are classified into two areas: obsessions, repetitive unwanted thoughts and compulsions, the routines individuals perform to decrease anxiety about the unwanted thoughts.
Common obsessions of obsessive-compulsive disorder include:
- Fear of dirt or contamination by germs
- Fear of causing harm to others
- Fear of making a mistake
- Repeated doubt
- Unacceptable sexual thoughts
- Need for order or symmetry
Common compulsions of obsessive-compulsive disorder include:
- Repeating actions, such as washing hands or cleaning
- Checking and rechecking that something has been done, like the oven has been turned off
- Repetitively arranging objects
- Counting frequently
- Repeating a word, phrase or prayer
- Hoarding or keeping items that have little importance
If you think you or someone you know may suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder, learn more on the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder Treatment can give individuals long-term control of their obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms.