Definition
LObsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is recognized as being an anxiety disorder. It is characterized by obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are intrusive thoughts or images that arise repetitively and that are difficult to dismiss from the mind. Obsessions are disturbing, sometimes horrifying or unpleasant, and they can cause much distress, fear, sickness and revulsion.
In trying to suppress or get rid of obsessions, the person affected feels obliged to perform repetitive acts, veritable rituals, which are called compulsions.
Obsessions or compulsions are at the origin of marked feelings of distress, of a considerable loss of time (more than an hour a day); they interfere significantly with the person’s usual habits, with functioning on the job or at school and with ordinary social relations and activities.
Compulsive rituals may take up several hours each day. Unfortunately, the compulsions bring only temporary relief and the obsessive-compulsion cycle returns more and more. Unlike compulsive gambling, compulsions bring no pleasure.
Some people are caught up with so many compulsions that they cannot leave the house, go to work, or go and see their family and friends. They often judge themselves very severely; frequently, people with an OCD hide their symptoms and isolate themselves.
Obsessions and Compulsions
Typical obsessions / Typical compulsions
- Fear of contamination from dirt, germs, illness or excrement / Washing, taking many long showers, cleaning endlessly
- Fear of hurting others by not paying attention (e.g., fear of a car accident) / Repetitive rituals, checking that nothing awful has happened
- Excessive concern with order and symmetry / Placing things according to a precise arrangement, arranging things or folding them in a certain way
- Fear of catching a serious illness, like cancer or AIDS / Taking extraordinary steps to avoid contact with contaminants
- Impulses, perverse images or thoughts about sexuality / Needing to touch, mentally counting
- Exaggerated concern for a particular part of the body (e.g., fear of having a deformed nose, skin that is not perfect / Checking in the mirror
- Fear of being responsible for an accident / Checking that doors are locked, electric appliances unplugged
- Preoccupation with sacrilege, blasphemy or morality / Ritualized prayers, ‘special’ numbers or words used to neutralize thoughts
- Fear of throwing away an object that may be needed / Collecting and storing useless objects and papers
A person suffering from an OCD is aware of the absurdity of his thoughts and/or behaviour but will not be able to eliminate them without help. These ideas and/or behaviours are uncontrollable.