Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by compulsive behaviors and obsessive thinking OCD can affect anyone—children, women, and even men. Some people experience symptoms as early as adolescence, but for most people, it doesn’t occur until early adulthood. Treatment can help you keep your OCD under control, which can be distressing and significantly interfere with your life.
OCD patients frequently experience obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.
- An obsession is a thought, idea, or urge that keeps coming to mind and makes you feel dreadful, repulsed, or uneasy.
- A compulsion is a habitual behavior or mental act that you feel you must engage in to temporarily get rid of the negative emotions triggered by obsessive thinking.
For instance, a person who needs to constantly ensure that their home is secure before they leave could feel the need to check all the windows and doors are closed.
OCD can occasionally affect women during pregnancy or after giving birth. Concerns about hurting the infant or improperly sterilizing feeding bottles are examples of obsessions. Compulsions may include behaviors like constantly monitoring the baby’s breathing.