by Paula Maher

Created on: May 27, 2008   Last Updated: May 28, 2008

What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?

Also known as OCD, 450,000 people in Australia and around 1 in 40 adults in the US are afflicted. People with OCD suffer from intense anxiety, which can only be alleviated by constant rituals and repetition. Some of the common compulsions can be cleaning, incessant hand washing, fear of dirt or germs, counting, and repetitive touching or tapping.

There are two elements to this affliction one is obsessions and the other is compulsions.
Obsessions entail continual recurring thoughts and compulsions are behaviors executed as rituals. Fear is a great part of this condition, such as feeling afraid of impending disaster if the compulsions are not acted upon. People with OCD are generally aware of the irrationality of their thoughts and actions but are unable to withstand the need to perform them.

Not to be confused with OCD, Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder is a condition of a genetic nature and tends to run in families. People ailed by this disorder are generally unaware that they have a problem as their belief is that their obsession for perfection and control is justified and that they are better for it. They usually have very rigid schedules and standards and can achieve a lot in a short amount of time. This can result in them being emotionally unavailable which can lead to depression due to the need for everything to be done perfectly.

What are the signs of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?

Executing compulsions to the point that life is debilitated, for example a person may need to clean the bathroom after showering to such an extent that a simple shower may take 2 hours and they may have an unremitting need to re check that the room is tidy. Along with this there may also be feelings of depression, frustration, anxiety and a sense of embarrassment as most OCD sufferers do so in silence as they generally feel too ashamed to admit their problem. Some can develop addiction to alcohol, drugs or food as coping mechanisms.

It is not known what may be the cause for OCD. It may be genetically inherited, be due to chemical imbalances in the brain or can result from acute trauma. It may be a combination of some or all factors. This malady can come and go and generally resurfaces when a person is under stress.

How can one manage OCD?

A visit to the doctor can refer the patient to a psychologist who may suggest Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). CBT entails a change to thoughts linked to negative feelings which may result in behavior

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