Obsessive-compulsive%20disorder Signs and Symptoms
Introduction
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by the presence of either obsessions or compulsions, but more commonly by both symptoms
Definition
- Obsession is a repeated, intrusive, unwanted thought, image or urge that cause distressing emotions (eg anxiety and disgust)
- Patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder attach to the occurrence and/or content of the intrusions. They tend to believe that these urges or thoughts are immoral or dangerous and that they are able to prevent harm to themselves or another person
- Compulsion is a repetitive behavior or mental act that the person feels driven to perform, in order to lessen the distress caused by the obsession
- It aims to reduce harm or make the patient feel comfortable
- Anxiety is a central feature of obsessive-compulsive disorder
Epidemiology
- There is a 1.1-1.8% prevalence of obsessive-compulsive disorder worldwide
- During adulthood, there is a slight higher prevalence in women but in childhood men are the ones commonly affected
Signs and Symptoms
Common Symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Obsessions
- Fear of contamination
- Fear of harm coming to self
- Fear of causing harm to someone else
- Fear of being unacceptable
- Fear of making a mistake
- Need for exactness, order and symmetry
- Obsessions with the body or physical symptoms
- Sexual and religious thoughts
- Urge to hoard useless or worn out possessions
- Thoughts of aggression or violence
- Compulsions
- Checking
- Cleaning or washing
- Mental compulsions
- Arranging, symmetry and exactness
- Hoarding or collecting
- Counting
- Repeating words silently
- Ruminate thoughts
- Neutralizing thoughts
- Asking for reassurance