Symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder

Obsessive - compulsive disorder is a human anxiety disorder characterized by involuntary intrusive thoughts . When an individual begins to acknowledge these intrusive thoughts, he develops anxiety based on the dread that something bad will happen.The sufferer feels compelled to perform irrational , time - consuming behaviors to diminish the anxiety.
Symptoms of OCD vary with each person and include both obsessions and compulsions.
OCD Obsessions are repeated persistent and unwanted ideas , thoughts, images or impulses that you have involuntarily and that seem to make no sense. These obsessions typically intrude when you' re trying to think of or do other things.
Obsessions often have themes to them , such as
Fear of dirt or germs or over-concern about body smells / secretions or the proper functioning of the body.
Excessive need for order
An overwhelming need to align objects symmetrically. Extreme concerns about neatness of appearance or environment.
Aggressive or horrific impulses
Sexual images or thoughts
Constantly thinking of certain sounds , words, or numbers , or a preoccupation with counting or checking.
Constant need for approval or the need to apologize.
OCD Compulsion Symptoms
OCD compulsions are repetitive behaviors that you feel driven to perform. These repetitive behaviors are meant to prevent or reduce anxiety or distress related to your obsessions.
Frequently washing hands, showering , or brushing teeth or the overuse of items to hide body smells
Constantly cleaning , straightening and ordering certain objects
Repeatedly checking zippers and buttons on clothing
Checking lights, appliances or doors again and again to be sure they are turned off or closed
Repeating certain physical activities such as sitting down and getting up from a chair.
Hoarding and Stowing
Stashing away items such as newspapers or trash. Thinking that everything may be needed at some point. Fear of losing things.
Asking the same question or saying the same thing over and over again.
Avoiding public places or taking extreme measures to prevent harm to oneself or others.
Religious rituals, such as constant silent praying.
It is common for children with OCD to need to repeat actions until they feel " just right " , such as going back and forth through a door, going up and down stairs, touching things with their right hand and their left ( symmetrical touch ) , or rereading or rewriting school assignments. Children with OCD may not want to go to school or may be afraid to leave someone they trust.
You may experience suicidal feelings if you have depression along with OCD . Warning signs of suicide include talking about death or giving away possessions.
How to Recognize the Symptoms of OCD
One should take note of the frequency of the recurring thoughts and the degree of anxiety they produce.If one have the same repetitive thoughts five or more times a day without being able to control them and feel considerable amount of anxiety whenever these thoughts occur, this is a strong indicator of OCD.
Learn what constitutes a compulsion.In OCD , a large number of patients attempt to alleviate the anxiety produced by their obsessions by performing ritualistic physical actions. These actions are performed with the thought to prevent whatever bad outcome is imagined in the obsession.If you perform these kinds of compulsive rituals , you could have OCD.
Notice how long you spend each day performing compulsive acts. If you are spending an hour or more each day on your compulsions, you are likely to have OCD.
Ask yourself whether yours obsessions and compulsions are rational. Majority of patients realize their obsessions and compulsions are a product of their own minds and are irrational.However they don't feel able to stop them on their own.
Realize that if you are constantly trying to hide your compulsions from others and if you feel your quality of life is deteriorating , you could have OCD.
Only a psychiatrist or psychologist can recognize the symptoms of OCD accurately enough to give a sound diagnosis.
Obsessive- compulsive disorder can often bring on feelings of depression untreated.The depression is usually brought on by feeling alone , abnormal and not in control of your own actions. Once the OCD is being successfully treated, these feelings of depression usually subside. However, if they don't go away, or if they get worse, tell your therapist about them.