Signs of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), one of the anxiety disorders, is a potentially disabling condition that can persist throughout a person's life and knowing the signs of obsessive compulsive disorder is an important first step to recovery. The individual who suffers from OCD becomes trapped in a pattern of repetitive thoughts and behaviours that are senseless and distressing but extremely difficult to overcome. These OCD symptoms are outlined below.

Obsessions

The first sign of obsessive compulsive disorder are obsessions (intrusive thoughts and images). Obsessions are usually exaggerated versions of concerns and worries that most people have at some time. Studies on obsessions have found that we all have disturbing obsessions, however, those with OCD place greater importance on their obsessions which then causes significant distress.

Although people with OCD are usually aware of the irrational and excessive nature of their obsessions and compulsions, they feel unable to control their obsessions or resist their compulsions.

Common OCD obsessions include:

• Fear of contamination from germs, dirt, poisons, and other physical and environmental substances
• Fear of harm from illness, accidents or death that may occur to oneself or to others.
• Intrusive thoughts and images about sex, violence, accidents and other issues
• Excessive concern with symmetry, exactness and orderliness
• Excessive concerns about illness, religious issues or morality
• Hoarding, or saving and collecting things.

Compulsions

In response to obsessions, most people with OCD resort to repetitive behaviours called compulsions. Compulsions can be behavioural (actions) or mental (thoughts).

Compulsions are usually performed to try and prevent an obsessive fear from happening, to reduce the anxiety, or to make things feel 'just right'. Common compulsions include:

• Excessive hand washing, showering and tooth brushing
• Excessive reassurance seeking from others
• Excessive cleaning and washing of house, household items, food, car and other areas
• Excessive checking of locks, electrical and gas appliances, and other things associated with safety
• Repetitive actions such as reading, writing, walking, picking up something or opening a door
• Applying rigid rules and patterns to the placement of objects, furniture, books, clothes and other items
• Touching, tapping or moving in a particular way or a certain number of times
• Hoarding - a need to save or inability to throw out excessive collections of various items such as newspapers, food or clothes
• Mental repetition of words or numbers a certain number of times, or concentrating on 'good' or 'safe' numbers
• The repetitive act of replacing a 'bad thought' with a 'good thought'.

Compulsions usually result in the short-term relief to anxiety. However, compulsions actually reinforce anxiety and make the obsessions seem more real, so that the anxiety soon returns.

OCD is sometimes accompanied by other mental health disorders such as depression, eating disorders, substance abuse disorder, a personality disorder, attention deficit disorder, or another anxiety disorder.

The page provides some of the common signs of obsessive compulsive disorder. If you or a loved one is suffering from any of the symptoms of OCD please seek appropriate support from a knowledgeable and proficient mental health practitioner.

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