What Are the Symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric condition characterized by the presence of obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are intrusive, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that cause significant anxiety or distress. Common obsessions include fears of contamination, doubts about safety, or intrusive thoughts of harming oneself or others. These obsessions are typically irrational and uncontrollable.
Compulsions, on the other hand, are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that individuals feel driven to perform in response to their obsessions. Examples include excessive hand washing, checking locks repeatedly, or arranging items symmetrically. The compulsions are aimed at reducing anxiety or preventing a feared event, but engaging in them provides only temporary relief. Symptoms of OCD can range from mild to severe, and the disorder can significantly interfere with daily activities and relationships. Treatment often involves a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to modify thought patterns and behaviors, exposure therapy to gradually confront fears, and medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to alleviate symptoms.
