Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by unreasonable thoughts and fears (obsessions) that lead you to do repetitive behaviors (compulsions). It is possible to have only obsessions or only compulsions and still have OCD.

People with OCD may or may not realize that the obsessions are unreasonable. They feel driven to perform compulsive acts in an effort to ease the stressful feelings.

For example, if people are obsessed with germs or dirt, they may develop a compulsion to wash their hands over and over again. If they develop an obsession with intruders, they may lock and relock their doors many times before going to bed. Being afraid of social embarrassment may prompt people with OCD to comb their hair compulsively in front of a mirror, so much so that they get “caught” in the mirror and cannot move away from it. Performing such rituals is not pleasurable. At best, it produces temporary relief from the anxiety created by obsessive thoughts.

Other common rituals are a need to repeatedly check things, touch things (especially in a particular sequence), or count things. People with OCD may also be preoccupied with order and symmetry, have difficulty throwing things out (so they accumulate), or hoard unneeded items. Healthy people also have rituals, but the difference is that people with OCD perform their rituals even though doing so interferes with daily life and the repetition is distressing.

Brain circuits may not work properly in people who have OCD, and the disorder tends to run in families. The symptoms often begin in childhood or adolescence. Treatments include therapy, medicines, or both. Cognitive behavioral therapy is often useful for treating OCD.

The cause of OCD is not fully understood. Main theories include:

• biology. OCD may be a result of changes in your body's own natural chemistry or brain functions. OCD may also have a genetic component, but specific genes have yet to be identified. OCD sometimes runs in families, but no one knows for sure why some people have it while others do not.
• environment. Some environmental factors, including infections, may trigger OCD, but more research is needed to be sure.

Several parts of the brain are involved in fear and anxiety. By learning more about fear and anxiety in the brain, scientists may be able to create better treatments. Researchers are also looking for ways in which stress and environmental factors may play a role in OCD and other anxiety disorders.

Talk with a doctor if intrusive thoughts or repetitive behaviors take up significant time or interfere with daily life. OCD responds well to therapy and, in some cases, medication.