What should I know about people with OCD?

In general, people with OCD: Spend at least one hour every day dealing with obsessions or compulsions. Experience disruptions to daily life and/or relationships because of obsessions and compulsions. Cannot control their thoughts or behaviors, even when they impact daily life in a negative way.

What is the most common obsession seen in obsessive-compulsive disorder?

Common obsessive thoughts in OCD include: Fear of being contaminated by germs or dirt or contaminating others. Fear of losing control and harming yourself or others. Intrusive sexually explicit or violent thoughts and images. Excessive focus on religious or moral ideas.

How a person’s OCD may affect others?

Family members and friends may become deeply involved in the person’s rituals and may have to assume responsibility and care for many daily activities that the person with OCD is unable to undertake. This can cause distress and disruption to all members of the family.

What compulsions do you have?

Common compulsions include excessive cleaning and hand washing; repeatedly checking doors, locks, appliances, and such; rituals designed to ward off contact with superstitious objects; using prayers or chants to prevent bad things from happening; arranging and rearranging objects; and hoarding huge numbers of ordinary …

Do people with OCD know their thoughts and behaviors are wrong?

Although people with OCD may know that their thoughts and behaviors don’t make logical sense, they’re often unable to stop them. Obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors associated with OCD generally last more than an hour each day and interfere with daily life. These are upsetting thoughts or impulses that repeatedly occur.

What are obsessive thoughts and compulsive behavior?

Obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors associated with OCD generally last more than an hour each day and interfere with daily life. These are upsetting thoughts or impulses that repeatedly occur. People with OCD may try to ignore or suppress them, but they may be afraid that somehow the thoughts might be true.

What are the treatment options for obsessive-compulsive disorder?

A typical treatment plan for OCD will usually include both psychotherapy and medications. Combining both treatments is usually the most effective. Antidepressants are prescribed to help lessen symptoms of OCD. A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) is an antidepressant that’s used to reduce obsessive behaviors and compulsions.

Why do children with obsessive-compulsive disorder have difficulty making friends?

Their discomfort in social situations can make it difficult to make friends and maintain friendships. In an attempt to mask their compulsions, children with OCD may withdraw socially. Isolation increases the risk for depression. The cause of OCD is not known. It seems to run in families, but there may be environmental factors involved.