What is OCD?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a condition that causes obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Nearly everybody experiences some kind of obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors at some time, but for someone who suffers from OCD, those thoughts and behaviors become very repetitive and intrusive, causing problems in daily life.
Do I have OCD?
If you have OCD, both obsessions and compulsions are a problem. Common obsessions include:
- Organization and symmetry
- Fear of dirt, germs, or contamination
- Religion or moral principles
- Fear of becoming aggressive or violent
- Fear of not being able to care for yourself
While obsessions are invasive thoughts, compulsions are the repetitive actions that you feel you must perform because of those obsessions. Common compulsions include:
- Repetitive cleaning, such as washing your hands over and over
- Verifying safety measures, like repeatedly checking to make sure your door is locked
- Counting objects, like counting the number of floor tiles
- Checking your work repeatedly to look for mistakes
- Rearranging objects repeatedly until you think they’re “right”
- Repeating movements, such as turning your head or blinking
OCD is quite different from one sufferer to the next. If you suspect you suffer from this condition, it’s important to see an expert at Texas Behavioral Health for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
