Obssesive Compulsive Disorder

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a disorder in which people have recurring, unwanted thoughts, ideas or sensations (obsessions) that make them feel driven to do something repetitively (compulsions).


• The repetitive behaviors, such as hand washing, checking on things or cleaning, can significantly interfere with a person’s daily activities and social interactions.


• Although people with OCD know very well that their thoughts and behaviors don’t make logical sense, they’re often unable to stop them, the thoughts keep coming in their mind repeatedly.

A person with OCD generally:

• Can't control his or her thoughts or behaviors, even when those thoughts or behaviors are recognized as excessive.
• Spends at least 1 hour a day on these thoughts or behaviors.
• Doesn’t get pleasure when performing the behaviors or rituals, but may feel brief relief from the anxiety the thoughts cause.
• Experiences significant problems in their daily life due to these thoughts or behaviors.

Obsessions are repeated thoughts, urges, or mental images that cause anxiety.
Common symptoms include:

• Fear of germs or contamination.
• Unwanted thoughts about sex, religion, harm.
• Blasphemous/dirty thoughts towards gods or people.
• Having things symmetrical or in a perfect order.

Compulsions are repetitive behaviors that a person with OCD feels the urge to do in response to an obsessive thought.
Common compulsions include:

• Excessive cleaning and/or handwashing.
• Ordering and arranging things in a particular, precise way.
• Repeatedly checking on things, such as repeatedly checking to see if the door is locked or that the Gass-Stove is off.
• Repeated counting after seeing or doing something.