Crucial Indicators Of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder In Adults And Children

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) affects approximately 3.3 million adults and one million children in the United States. This disorder usually begins in childhood and adolescence as obsessions that cause anxiety, resulting in repetitive behaviors and actions called compulsions. OCD is diagnosed by a doctor's assessment of the patient's symptoms, which are the ritual behaviors and the time that the patient spends on them. If an individual is experiencing symptoms, it is essential to consult a mental health professional for evaluation and treatment.

Learn about these symptoms now.

What Are The Common Obsessions?

Obsession is an idea or thought that preoccupies the mind. In patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder, obsessions can come in many different forms that result in compulsive rituals. Common obsessions found in patients who suffer from OCD include fear of dirt and germs, needing to have everything symmetrical and exact, as well as a need for perfection. However, there are also obsessive thoughts attributed to OCD, and these may include thoughts or fear of accidentally harming oneself or others and forbidden or unwanted thoughts of sexual behavior. These obsessions take up a great deal of the patient's time, an hour or more every day, causing distress and interfering with the patient's daily functions.

Consider compulsions and rituals in obsessive-compulsive disorder next.

What Are Compulsions And Rituals?

Compulsions are the actions or rituals performed by patients with OCD as a result of their obsessions. A common compulsion is excessive washing or cleaning; this may include washing hands, brushing teeth, showering, or even cleaning compulsions and rituals when cleaning the bathroom or kitchen. Other compulsions include ordering or arranging items in specific ways, checking doors and locks to make sure everything is safe, and counting, touching, tapping or rubbing objects in a certain way. Compulsions also include mental rituals, which include saying prayers or trying to replace bad images or thoughts with good ones. A mental routine may be repeated over and over again until the patient feels okay and safe.

Keep reading for more information on the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder now.