Obsessive compulsive disorder (
OCD) describes constant thoughts or actions that cause
anxiety and interfere with daily living.
Obsessions involve:
- The person experiences constant thoughts or images that interrupt normal thought processes.
- The thoughts or images are inappropriate and cause significant anxiety.
- The person attempts to suppress or ignore the thoughts or images.
- The person recognizes that the thoughts or images are a product of his or her own mind.
Compulsions involve:
- The person feels driven to perform repetitive behaviors or mental acts.
- Examples of repetitive behaviors: hand washing, making lists, locking doors
- Examples of mental acts: praying, counting, repeating words silently
- The behaviors or acts are in response to an obsession or in response to a set of rigid rules.
- The behaviors or acts are thought to prevent distress or a dreaded event.
- The behaviors or acts are excessive and are not connected to the distress or event in a realistic way.
Those who have
obsessive compulsive disorder may suffer from obsessions, compulsions or both.
