Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

What is OCD??

OCD is an illness which includes different symptoms in the form of obsessions and compulsions. These obsessions and compulsions lead significant dysfunction in person’s day to day activities and relationship. Around 2-3%  of general population is suffering from this. The mean age of onset is around 20 years and in majority of patient (85%) it’s course is continuous.

Obsession is defined as a recurrent and intrusive thought, image, idea, feeling, and impulse.

Compulsion is a repetitive behavior in response to the obsession. These compulsions are done to relieve anxiety secondary to obsession, but this may not relieve anxiety or sometimes it may increase. If a person resists to compulsion than anxiety increases.

Characteristic of obsession

1.    Recurrent and intrusive

2.    Irrational and senseless

3.    Ego-dystonic (unwanted behavior)

4.    Against will (unable to control)

5.    Unpleasurable

Common obsession:

Contamination, pathological doubt, somatic, need for symmetry, aggressive and sexual one.

Common compulsion:

Checking, washing, counting, need to ask or confess,symmetry and precision, hoarding and multiple comparisons.

What to do??

If you or someone else having these symptoms, then visit a psychiatrist for treatment.

Treatment includes pharmacology and behavioral therapy (if the patient is truly committed) or both. The final decision depends on treating psychiatrist and patient acceptance.