Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Symptoms and Diagnosis

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental illness characterized by intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive, ritualized behaviors (compulsions). These symptoms can disrupt a person's daily life and cause distress.

Symptoms

Obsessions - Fear of contamination - Recurrent thoughts of harming oneself or others - Excessive concern with symmetry or order - Religious or moral obsessions - Need for constant reassurance

Compulsions - Excessive handwashing or cleaning - Checking doors or locks repeatedly - Arranging things in a particular order - Counting or repeating words or phrases - Avoiding certain objects or situations

Other potential symptoms - Anxiety - Depression - Difficulty concentrating - Fatigue - Difficulty sleeping - Irritability - Social isolation

Diagnosis

To diagnose OCD, a mental health professional will consider: - The presence of obsessions and/or compulsions - The severity of the symptoms - The impact of the symptoms on the person's life - Duration of symptoms (typically more than 12 months)

Diagnosing OCD can be challenging, as the symptoms can be similar to those of other mental illnesses, such as anxiety or depression.

Treatment

Treatment for OCD typically involves psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both.

Psychotherapy - Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): A type of talk therapy that helps people to challenge and change negative thoughts and behaviors. - Exposure and response prevention (ERP): A type of CBT that involves gradually exposing people to feared objects or situations while preventing them from engaging in compulsive behaviors.

Medication - Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): The most commonly prescribed medication for OCD. - Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs): May also be effective in treating OCD.

Prognosis

OCD is a chronic condition, but it can be managed with treatment. With treatment, most people with OCD can live full and productive lives.