Introduction to Obsessive-Compulsive DisorderMark Dombeck, Ph.D. Updated: Nov 6th 2001Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder where a person has recurrent and unwanted ideas or impulses (called obsessions) and an urge or compulsion to do something to relieve the discomfort caused by the obsession. The obsessive thoughts range from the idea of losing control, to themes surrounding religion or keeping things or parts of one's body clean all the time. Compulsions are behaviors that help reduce the anxiety surrounding the obsessions. Most people (90%) who have OCD have both obsessions and compulsions. The thoughts and behaviors a person with OCD has are senseless, repetitive, distressing, and sometimes harmful, but they are also difficult to overcome.
 OCD is more common than schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or panic disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Yet, it is still commonly overlooked by mental health professionals, mental health advocacy groups, and people who themselves have the problem.
Many people still carry the misperception that they somehow caused themselves to have these compulsive behaviors and obsessive thoughts. Nothing could be further from the truth. OCD is likely the cause of a number of intertwined and complex factors which include genetics, biology, personality development, and how a person learns to react to the environment around them. What scientists today do know is that it is not a sign of a character flaw or a personal weakness. OCD is a serious mental disorder, which is more treatable than ever. Without the appropriate treatment, it affects a person's ability to function in every day activities, one's work, one's family, and one's social life.
What are Obsessions and Compulsions?
Obsessions
Obsessions are unwanted ideas or impulses that repeatedly well up in the mind of a person with OCD. Common ideas include persistent fears that harm may come to self or a loved one, an unreasonable concern with becoming contaminated, or an excessive need to do things correctly or perfectly. Again and again, the individual experiences a disturbing thought, such as, "My hands may be contaminated -- I must wash them" or "I may have left the gas on" or "I am going to injure my child." These thoughts tend to be intrusive, unpleasant, and produce a high degree of anxiety. Sometimes the obsessions are of a violent or a sexual nature, or concern illness. (NIMH)
Compulsions
In response to their obsessions, most people with OCD resort to repetitive behaviors called compulsions. The most common of these are washing and checking (e.g., making sure the gas from the oven has been turned off). Other compulsive behaviors include counting (often while performing another compulsive action such as hand washing), repeating, hoarding, and endlessly rearranging objects in an effort to keep them in precise alignment with each other. Cognitive problems, such as mentally repeating phrases, list making, or checking, are also common. These behaviors generally are intended to ward off harm to the person with OCD or others. Some people with OCD have regimented rituals while others have rituals that are complex and changing. Performing rituals may give the person with OCD some relief from anxiety, but it is only temporary. (NIMH) We have developed the information here to act as a comprehensive guide to help you better understand OCD and find out more information about them on your own. Choose from among the categories at left to begin your journey into recovery from this treatable disorder.
Treatment
Help is available for OCD in the form of medication and specific forms of psychotherapy (e.g., Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for OCD). Consultation with a psychiatrist and a psychologist or social worker with expertise in CBT are recommended first steps.
A few other notes are relevant:
Obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors that worsen during times of stress are quite normally experienced by many people, and are not necessarily a sign of OCD. The tendency to become obsessed with ideas or to compulsively pursue organization and ordering tasks are valued personality features in a variety of detail-oriented fields, including accounting, computer programming and scientific research. True OCD is an extreme condition diagnosed only when obsessions and compulsions cause significant impairment in a person’s ability to work or meet other important responsibilities (such as when a person is unable to get to work on time because she is spending over an hour checking to see that her door is locked).
OCD should not be confused with Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD; which is discussed in greater detail in our personality disorders topic area). OCPD is diagnosed to describe pervasive and life-long perfectionist, puritanical and rigidly controlling personality traits that some people demonstrate. The diagnosis of OCPD doesn’t require the presence of obsessions and compulsions (as does OCD).
Equal Measures - Cheryl - Feb 6th 2010
Hello! I was just reading the form and I am not sure if I missed something. I read a young guy who said he likes to take equally measured steps and someone said he is making fun of OCD? I have a similar issue so I was just wondering if I missed an old post. I have many OCD tendancies but one is like that would taking steps or blinking my eyes or other things that have to be even. I think that is part of OCD as well. i repeat - rebecca - Jan 28th 2010
i have a problem with repeating words and movements..i know its not normal but i have such a strong urge to do it anyway. i need help but im so embarressed to tell anyone. who can i contact for help?
Dr. Dombeck's Note: This behavior may be a symptom of OCD or a tic disorder or something similar. Best to seek out an appointment with a psychiatrist for appropriate and accurate diagnosis. Treatment may take the form of medication, behavioral therapy or both. I think I have OCD but im not really sure - ashley - Jan 7th 2010
I think I have OCD but im not really sure. I am always obessing over death or like something bad will happen. I cant drive out of town because i am afread i will die in a car wreck. I cant let my children stay with people very often because i worry so much that something will happen. I am always afread at night to go to sleep because im afread someone will break in or i will die in my sleep. I am always checking family members when they are asleep because I am afread the will die. I have alot of thoughts of violance not me doing violance but that someone will hurt me and my family. I always have crazy thoughts of someone killing us or the end of the world. I check my doors twinty times because I think I dident lock themor making sure the oven is off 20 times. Iam scared when I am alone just all kinds of stuff. Someone please help. nothing better to do - Yeah, having OCD sucks - Dec 28th 2009
Yeah, I wouldn't worry about people like "Jack"; People like that aren't even real people on the inside, and they have nothing better to do than make fun of other people to make themselves feel bigger and stronger. Once you realize that, all their actions and comments become obsolete because they really don't matter. you'll regret poking fun at this - Mike - Dec 13th 2009
You know Jack, if u ever fall in love with someone like this, you'll regret poking fun at this. It isn't funny. it's serious for people who have it and people in their lives. But you know, i didn't use to appreciate knowing this until now. there are a lot of sad diseases out there. should I ask for help ? - jack taylor - Dec 2nd 2009
I'm 13 and think I may have a form of OCD, if I take a step with one foot, I want to take a step with the other foot and I feel an urge for everything to be equally spaced out and correct.
Should I seek help ?
Jack. | 
