Crucial Indicators Of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder In Adults And Children

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) affects approximately 3.3 million adults and one million children in the United States. This disorder usually begins in childhood and adolescence as obsessions that cause anxiety, resulting in repetitive behaviors and actions called compulsions. OCD is diagnosed by a doctor's assessment of the patient's symptoms, which are the ritual behaviors and the time that the patient spends on them. If an individual is experiencing symptoms, it is essential to consult a mental health professional for evaluation and treatment.

Learn about these symptoms now.

What Are The Common Obsessions?

Obsession is an idea or thought that preoccupies the mind. In patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder, obsessions can come in many different forms that result in compulsive rituals. Common obsessions found in patients who suffer from OCD include fear of dirt and germs, needing to have everything symmetrical and exact, as well as a need for perfection. However, there are also obsessive thoughts attributed to OCD, and these may include thoughts or fear of accidentally harming oneself or others and forbidden or unwanted thoughts of sexual behavior. These obsessions take up a great deal of the patient's time, an hour or more every day, causing distress and interfering with the patient's daily functions.

Consider compulsions and rituals in obsessive-compulsive disorder next.