Health Guide » 
Topic Overview
What is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a type of anxiety disorder that causes you to experience obsessive, unwanted thoughts and to compulsively and repeatedly perform tasks to try to get rid of those thoughts.
Some common obsessive thoughts include excessive neatness, fear of germs, or worrying that you might think bad thoughts. A few common compulsive behaviors include frequent hand-washing, repeatedly checking zippers or buttons on clothes, and constantly cleaning or organizing things.
The effects of OCD range from mild to severe. OCD can greatly impair how you function socially, at your job, or in school.
OCD is not a life-threatening condition, but it can cause major disruption in your relationships and daily functioning. People with OCD often need to make great changes in their lives because of the disturbing thoughts and repetitive behaviors.
What are the symptoms of OCD?
OCD consists of two main behaviors:
- Obsessions: recurring, unwanted thoughts, ideas, and impulses that interrupt normal thinking, cause anxiety or fear, and will not go away
- Compulsions: behaviors or rituals that are repeated intentionally to try to control the obsessions (disturbing, fearful thoughts)
- You will usually recognize that your thoughts are senseless and that your behaviors are time-consuming and unnecessary. However, you will feel you are not able to control your thoughts and compelled to perform the behaviors.
Family patterns can play an important role in contributing to the severity of OCD. Family members can unintentionally encourage the OCD behaviors by how they respond to your rituals (such as helping you check locks repeatedly). Family members may need support and education on how to properly deal with these behaviors.
What causes OCD?
The cause of OCD has not yet been proven. Some evidence suggests there is a problem with the way information is transferred from one part of the brain to another. OCD may run in families, although more research is needed to confirm this theory. OCD may be a learned response by which harmless rituals (such as counting objects) are used to reduce anxiety or aggression.
Who gets OCD?
- OCD is a common mental disorder that affects 2% to 3% of the general population (millions of people worldwide).
- OCD usually begins during late adolescence or early adulthood.
- One-third of those with OCD report that their first symptoms began before the age of 15.
- OCD occurs equally in males and females.
- Onset of OCD usually occurs earlier in males than in females. (It is possible for preschool children to develop OCD, although this is rare.).
- Males most often develop OCD between the ages of 6 and 15 years.
- Females usually develop OCD between the ages of 20 and 29 years.
- OCD is found in people from all ethnic backgrounds.
- There is an increased rate of OCD in people with Tourette's disorder.
- OCD occurs more often in people who have parents or siblings (first-degree family members) with OCD.
How is OCD diagnosed?
There currently is no laboratory test that can diagnose OCD. It usually is diagnosed by a doctor based on your symptoms and from a medical history and a physical and mental status examination.
Early detection and treatment is very important to successfully manage OCD. The sooner OCD is diagnosed and treated, the more likely the quality of your life will improve.
How is OCD treated?
While there is no cure for OCD, it can be treated successfully with medications such as antidepressants and specific types of counseling, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy. If OCD is left untreated, it can lead to a complete disruption of your life and the lives of those who care about you. Usually, a combination of counseling and medication is the most effective treatment for OCD.
What other illnesses commonly occur with OCD?
Other disorders that commonly occur with OCD can make OCD difficult to recognize and treat. These conditions include:
- Tourette's disorder, a condition that causes uncontrollable body movements.
- Trichotillomania, a disorder that causes a person to pull out his or her hair.
- Eating disorders, such as bulimia nervosa and/or anorexia nervosa.
- Depression.
- Substance abuse, such as alcohol or drug abuse.
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a condition that causes difficulty with concentration and controlling impulses.
- Hypochondriasis, a recurrent, distressing fear of having a serious disease.
Body dysmorphic disorder, a preoccupation with defects (imagined or exaggerated) in appearance. - Other anxiety disorders.
