Obsessive Compulsive Disorders (OCD)
What is OCD?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a rare but serious illness in which a person has uncontrollable, repetitive thoughts ("obsessions") and/or behaviours ("compulsions") that he or she feels the urge to repeat over and over.
Symptoms and Signs
Though somewhat uncommon, OCD is nonetheless a very serious illness, with many also suffering from depressive and anxiety symptoms. The main features of this illness is the presence of Obsessions, which are repetitive unwelcome thoughts. The next is Compulsions, which is the irresistible urge to repeat certain physical or mental acts, frequently in response of an obsessional thought.
Common obsessions are those of contamination, avoiding harm or danger. Besides that, some may experience disturbing thoughts associated with aggression or of a sexual or religious nature. Frequent OCD behaviours are that of washing or cleaning repeatedly, or repeated checking or arranging things, counting, and straightening behaviours. Some also have a tendency of keeping unnecessary things, also known as hoarding.
Early assessment and treatment for OCD are essential to ensure the best outcome for those suffering from this illness, which in its severe form often leaves the individual struggling to cope in most areas of daily living.
Subtypes of OCD
