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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD is a mental health disorder characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) that a person feels driven to perform. These obsessions and compulsions can cause significant distress and interfere with daily functioning.
- Duration:
OCD symptoms often begin in late childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood and tend to be chronic, although severity can fluctuate over time. - Triggers / Causes:
- Genetics and family history
- Brain structure and chemistry differences
- Stressful life events or trauma can worsen symptoms
- Sometimes linked to other mental health conditions like anxiety or depression
- Genetics and family history
- Brain structure and chemistry differences
- Stressful life events or trauma can worsen symptoms
- Sometimes linked to other mental health conditions like anxiety or depression
Symptoms (divided into obsessions & compulsions)
Obsessions (Intrusive Thoughts)
- Persistent, unwanted, and distressing thoughts, urges, or images
- Common obsessions include fears of contamination, harming others, or needing things to be symmetrical or “just right”
- Thoughts often cause intense anxiety or discomfort
Compulsions (Repetitive Behaviors)
- o Repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to reduce anxiety caused by obsessions
- o Examples: excessive hand washing, checking locks repeatedly, counting, arranging objects in a particular way, or mental rituals like praying or repeating phrases
- o Compulsions are often time-consuming and interfere with daily life
People with OCD usually recognize their obsessions and compulsions are irrational but feel powerless to stop them.
People with OCD usually recognize their obsessions and compulsions are irrational but feel powerless to stop them.
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