Top 10 OCD Symptoms

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) affects about 1% of the US population or about 2.2 million people. Moreover OCD symptoms affect men, women, and children. OCD is often referred to as a long-lasting disorder a neuropsychiatric condition.

Sufferers would experience uncontrollable, reoccurring thoughts (obsessions) and/or behaviours (compulsions) with the need to constantly repeat.

Sufferers with OCD realise their thoughts and behaviours are excessive and unreasonable but struggle to resist them.

The World Health Organization (WHO) sights OCD as amongst the top most disabling of all medical and psychiatric conditions.

How is OCD diagnosed?

Firstly only a qualified professional (therapist) can diagnose OCD. However they will be looking for the following signs.

1. Does the person have obsessions?
2. Do they exhibit compulsive behaviours?
3. Does the obsessions and compulsions affect their normal daily life?
4. Do the obsessions and compulsions take up a lot of time?

Is OCD Genetic?

There is evidence that suggests genetics could play a part in OCD development. In other words if you have certain genes you are more likely to develop a disorder like OCD. Same goes for genetic anxiety.

Is OCD an Anxiety disorder?

Anxiety disorders and OCD have a lot in common. DSM-5 have created a category of Obsessive Compulsive and Related Disorders separating it from anxiety disorders. The major difference I can see is that a person is compelled to repeat something to relieve the anxiety they would otherwise feel.

Top 10 OCD Symptoms

Those with OCD may experience symptoms of obsessions, compulsions, or both. They can also affect aspects of daily life, i.e. work, home, social, school, and personal relationships.

Obsessions are repeated thoughts, urges, or mental images that cause anxiety and Compulsions. They are in response to an obsessive thought or urge resulting in repetitive behaviours.

Common OCD obsessions

• Contamination – dirt, germs, body fluids, disease etc
• Loss of Control – fears surrounding stealing, expletives need to hurt oneself etc.
• Perfectionism – need to be exact or symmetrical, fear of losing important items, fear of forgetting etc.
• Unwanted Sexual Thoughts – Involving sex, sex with children, or aggression.
• Moral/Religious Concerns – extreme concern over morality
• Harming – excessive fear of causing harm
• Hoarding – extreme attachment issues

Common OCD Compulsions

• Excessive cleaning and/or handwashing
• Ordering and arranging things
• Repetitively checking on things, i.e light switched off, door shut
• Uncontrollable compulsive counting
• Constant praying
• Repeating words silently

OCD no longer under the anxiety disorder affects more than 2 million people in the US. Top OCD Symptoms include fear of germs and fear of forgetting important things. OCD compulsions can include excessive hand washing and constant checking and rechecking.