The Basics
What is OCD?
OCD stands for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
Obsessions are the disturbing and unwanted thoughts that people with OCD experience. These can include; being afraid of serious illness from germs or fear that you might take off all of your clothes at a formal gathering. These obsessions are what lead to compulsions. Compulsions are the routine or action a person does to prevent having the obsession. For example, if you were afraid of taking off all of your clothes at a formal gathering, then you might avoid going to gatherings all together to avoid having the thought or (in this case) doing the action.
Common Obsessions
and Compulsions
Common Obsessions
These types of fears aren't the same as the ones people may regularly have. They truly feel something bad will happen because of these thoughts. Some may sound odd, such as how some people think that colors can be good and bad, but remember: a person can't help what they are thinking, it's simply how they feel.
- The Fear of Contamination: The constant worry of having germs, catching germs or having dirty clothes or hands
- Fears Related to Accidents or Violent Acts: The fear that someone is going to break into the house (the unlocked door would let the intruder in), or that themselves might experience bodily harm (leaving the oven on)
- Fear of Committing a Violent or Sexual Act: They are worried they may lose control and hurt someone or commit a harmful/embarrassing sexual event (businessman taking his clothes off during a meeting)
- Fears related to organization and symmetry: (this is the most well-known form of OCD) An irresistible need for neatness and order. For example food on a dinner plate can be placed incorrectly (in their minds), and may cause the person to refuse to eat the food.
Common Compulsions
The compulsive rituals help relieve the person from the obsession/anxiety they may have. This ritual is unavoidable and can take up to an hour of a person's day to perform their full ritual. This is something the person feels that they need to do.
Just because you may feel you do one or more of these things, or you know someone who does, this does not mean you or they have OCD. 20% of people who have OCD will only have obsessions and 10% of people who have OCD will only have compulsions. You need to speak with a professional such as a therapist or a psychologist to be officially diagnosed. Please be sure to check out the page on false symptoms!
- Repeated washing or bathing
- Refusal to shake hands or touch doorknobs
- Checking locks and stoves
- Over-Organizing household items
- Eating food off a plate in a specific order
- Repeating specific words or prayers
Just because you may feel you do one or more of these things, or you know someone who does, this does not mean you or they have OCD. 20% of people who have OCD will only have obsessions and 10% of people who have OCD will only have compulsions. You need to speak with a professional such as a therapist or a psychologist to be officially diagnosed. Please be sure to check out the page on false symptoms!