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Obsessive compulsive disorder is an anxiety disorder.

Obsessions are recurrent and unwanted intrusive thoughts, impulses or images. They may be involved with fear of dirt, disgust with bodily waste and fluids, concern with orderliness or worrying that a task has been completed adequately.

Compulsions are the specific actions which are performed in an attempt to neutralize the obsessive thinking. Such actions are not related to the events which they are supposed to counteract. These may be repeated many times such a frequently washing the hands and grooming, checking that the gas is off, checking the door is locked.

Onset of OCD is usually gradual. Men can experience it starting in childhood between the ages of 6 and 15. Women are more likely to experience an adult onset. Two thirds of adults had symptoms before the age of 15 and 80% had symptoms of depression. The average age of a person seeking help is 27.

The disorder is not normally noticed until it becomes persistent and disabling. However the sufferer is often aware of their behavior and is distressed by it, thinking they have caused it.

While it is not definite what the causes are they may be linked to genetics, biology, personality development or learned reactions to the environment (reactions to experiences). It is not a character flaw but a mental disorder.

Obsessive compulsive personality disorder carries a preoccupation with rules, orderliness and control. When these are ignored the person may withdraw emotionally or get angry. Affections are highly controlled or expressed in stilted fashion and the person is not comfortable with those who can express emotions. Often high achievers they rarely pay compliments.

Diagnosis for these conditions are not by lab tests. Your doctor can recommend tests and who to go to. There are criteria for diagnosis and the person is examined clinically about their emotional past. Current symptoms are considered, there is an examination of family history and a differential diagnosis ensures OCD is distinguished from other disorders.

There are four essential factors in diagnosis. Is the condition causing stress.? Does it happen for more than an hour a day? Do the symptoms interfere with work, relationships and daily functioning and lastly that the person recognizes the obsessive compulsions are unreasonable.

Treatment can take the form of antidepressant medication, Psychotherapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Hypnosis can also help. In rare cases surgical severing of the cingulum is done.

For Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Hypnosis specialists can be found through their professional associations. The telephone directory and on line sources will tell you how to contact practitioners. The goals of CBT are to desensitize the person and help them to relearn behaviors. Relaxation techniques help.

Support groups for Obsessive compulsive disorder can be found on line.

This is a distressing disorder for which help is available.

Learn more about this author, Rosemary Redfern.
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