Mental & Emotional Problems With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder that results in disabling anxiety. People who experience OCD find it constantly disrupts their daily activities and relationships.

Definition

• OCD symptoms are intrusive and involuntary

  The National Institute of Mental Health describes Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) as "an anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors (compulsions). " It can occur in people of all ages.

Symptoms

• OCD patients are reluctant to be in busy public places because of their fears

  The Mayo Clinic describes obsessive symptoms as repeated, persistent and unwanted ideas, thoughts, images or impulses that a person experiences involuntarily. According to Mayo, compulsive symptoms are repetitive behaviors a person feels driven to perform. Such behaviors are meant to prevent or reduce the anxiety or distress related to their obsessions.

Themes

• Fears of germs or dirt may inhibit contact with other people

  Common themes related to OCD obsessions include fear of dirt, the need to have things orderly, aggressive images and sexual impulses. Compulsions include cleaning and washing, counting, checking, demanding reassuarances, and orderliness.

Problems

• Obsessions about germs or dirt make it difficult to comfortably interact with others

  These themes highlight emotional problems caused by OCD. Excessive fear of germs creates concerns about touching people or being touched. It is difficult for people to understand why OCD patients cannot stop unwanted thoughts and behaviors. Friends and family get angry and frustrated by repeated behaviors they believe are senseless.

Causes

• There are multiple causes for OCD

  There are multiple causes of OCD. According to Psychologist Mark Dombeck, Ph. D., they include genetics, biology, personality development, and how a person learns to react to the environment around them.

Treatment

• Treatment for OCD includes medication and psychotherapy

  Treatment for OCD includes medication and psychotherapy. According to James Hooper, M.D. and John Grohol, Psy. D, a combination of behavioral and cognitive therapy, coupled with medication, reduces symptoms by 50 to 80 percent or more and offers the best chance of long-term improvement. It's important to note, however, that OCD can worsen with stress.