About Careers Internship MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Last Updated on Sep 26, 2014
Font : A-A+

About

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by anxious unwanted thoughts or behavior, which the patient is unable to control.

Advertisement

It strikes men and women in equal numbers and affects about 1 in every 50 people.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessions are involuntary and seemingly uncontrollable thoughts or impulses that occur repeatedly in one’s mind. Usually the affected person does not want to have these ideas but is unable to stop them. Such obsessive thoughts are often disturbing and distracting for the patient.

Compulsions are behaviors or rituals that one feels driven to perform again and again. Compulsions are usually performed in an attempt to make escape from obsessions. However, this never really happens and the obsessive thoughts usually come back stronger. This vicious cycle continues.

Advertisement

Obsessions and compulsions can be of various types. Some of which include-

  • Checking things repeatedly.
  • Excessive fear of contamination due to germs, thereby leading to repeated washing of hands to keep them clean.
  • Repeated counting of things.
  • Compulsive accumulation of things, which are of no use.

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is treated with medications and cognitive behavioral therapy. If unchecked, Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) can lead to a very difficult family and work environment for the patient. It can also lead to severe mental depression.

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

  • APA

    Dr. Trupti Shirole. (2014, September 26). Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - Causes - Symptoms - Diagnosis - Treatment - FAQs. Medindia. Retrieved on Jun 10, 2023 from https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/obsessive-compulsive-disorder.htm.

  • MLA

    Dr. Trupti Shirole. "Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - Causes - Symptoms - Diagnosis - Treatment - FAQs". Medindia. Jun 10, 2023. <https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/obsessive-compulsive-disorder.htm>.

  • Chicago

    Dr. Trupti Shirole. "Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - Causes - Symptoms - Diagnosis - Treatment - FAQs". Medindia. https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/obsessive-compulsive-disorder.htm. (accessed Jun 10, 2023).

  • Harvard

    Dr. Trupti Shirole. 2014. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - Causes - Symptoms - Diagnosis - Treatment - FAQs. Medindia, viewed Jun 10, 2023, https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/obsessive-compulsive-disorder.htm.

Latest Publications and Research on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder


Do you wish to consult a Psychiatrist for your problem? Ask your question

Dr. Sandeep Sekhon
Dr. Sandeep Sekhon
MBBS, MD
7 years experience
Dr. Kandasamy V
Dr. Kandasamy V
MBBS, MD
3 years experience
Sugham Health Centre , Near Tirunelveli junction , Tirunelveli
Dr. Padma S
Dr. Padma S
MBBS, DPM, Certified Sleep Coach, Behavioral Sleep Medicine - Mini-Fellowship, Mindfulness Facilitation Training
14 years experience
Dr. Dana Prabagaran I.d
Dr. Dana Prabagaran I.d
MBBS, MD
1 year experience
View All

Post a Comment

Comments should be on the topic and should not be abusive. The editorial team reserves the right to review and moderate the comments posted on the site.

Comments

Muthuraman

sir i am taking past 5 years pPRODEP 20mg tablet but still i suffering from this disorder please help me...

suzane_fadrik

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality disorder tends to occur in families, so genes may be involved. Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder most often occurs in men. Anxiety Disorders such as generalized Anxiety Disorder and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Social Phobia, Specific Phobias, Mood Disorders, and Eating Disorders often co-occur with this disorder.

Advertisement
Recommended Readings
Benefits of Registration
Advertisement
Health Topics A - Z
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Advertisement
What's New on Medindia
The Law Behind Tobacco Control in India
Diet for Osteoporosis
Corporate Criminal Liability of Healthcare Providers and Hospitals
View all

Medindia Newsletters Subscribe to our Free Newsletters!
Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close