What is an Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
Obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders are a group of similar psychiatric disorders characterized by repetitive thoughts, distressing emotions, and compulsive behaviors. The specific types of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors vary according to each disorder.
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Some examples of these disorders include:
1. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
2. Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD).
3. Hoarding disorder.
4. Hair-pulling disorder (trichotillomania).
5. Skin-picking disorder (excoriation).
What are Obsessions?
Obsessions are recurrent and persistent thoughts, urges, or images that are experienced as intrusive and unwanted. Common obsessional themes include:
- Concerns about contamination.
- Harm happening to oneself or others.
- Intrusive sexual thoughts.
- Religious preoccupation and rituals.
- Repeated and excessive doubts about safety and security.
- The need for symmetry and order.
- Perfectionism.
Because obsessions are unwanted, they create anxiety and distress when they occur. To reduce this discomfort people perform compulsions.
What are Compulsions?
Compulsions are behaviors or mental acts that a person feels "driven" to perform in response to an obsession. Common compulsions include:
- Excessive hand-washing.
- Re-ordering objects in a specific way.
- Checking on safety and security (a door lock, an electric appliance).
- Counting (aloud or silently).
- The ritualistic repetition of prayers in one's mind.
Obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders share many similar features. However, there are also important differences. The following example illustrates the importance of these differences.
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