OCD
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

OCD is a common, chronic and lifelong disorder in which a person has uncontrollable, reoccurring thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions) that he or she feels the urge to repeat over and over.

Difference between OCD and habits

Not all rituals or habits are compulsions, everyone double checks things sometimes. There's a difference between being a perfectionist who has normal worries about real life problems and likes to have things in order and people with OCD who don’t get pleasure while performing their rituals.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
People with OCD have symptoms of obsessions, compulsions, or both. These symptoms can interfere with all aspects of life, such as work, school, and personal relationships.

Obsessions
Repeated thoughts, urges, or mental images that cause anxiety.

• Fear of germs or contamination
• Fear of causing harm to another
• Fear of making a mistake
• Fear of being embarrassed
• Unwanted thoughts as sexual or religious subjects
• Aggressive thoughts towards others or self
• Need for order, symmetry, or exactness
• Excessive doubts and need for constant reassurance

Compulsions
Repetitive behaviors in response to an obsessive thought.

• Excessive cleaning and/or hand washing
• Ordering things in a particular, precise way
• Repeatedly checking on things
• Compulsive counting
• Following a strict routine

CAUSES
The cause of obsessive-compulsive disorder isn't fully understood yet.
Main theories include:

• Biology: OCD may be a result of changes in the body's own natural chemistry or brain functions.
In some cases, children may develop OCD symptoms following a streptococcal infection called Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS).

• Genetics: OCD may have a genetic component, but specific genes have yet to be identified.
Further, individuals with OCD are more likely to have first-degree family members exhibiting the same disorders than do matched controls.

• Environment: Some environmental factors such as infections are suggested as a trigger for OCD, but more research is needed.
People who have experienced abuse (physical or sexual) in childhood or other trauma are at an increased risk for developing OCD.

FACTS
• OCD affects about 2.3% of people at some point in their life.
• Worldwide rates during a given year are about 1.2%.
• Males and females are affected about equally.
• Half of people develop problems before the age of twenty.
• It is unusual for symptoms to begin after the age of thirty-five.
• Genetic factors account for 45–65%.
• Some individuals with OCD also have a tic disorder.

COMPLICATIONS
• Health issues, such as contact dermatitis from frequent hand-washing.
• Inability to attend work, school or social activities.
• Troubled relationships.
• Overall poor quality of life.
• Suicidal thoughts and behavior.

TREATMENTS
Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches people with OCD through exposure therapy to confront their fears and reduce anxiety without performing the ritual behaviors,
Medication therapy includes antidepressants which may be helpful in treating OCD.
In severe cases of OCD electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or psychosurgery may be used to treat the disorder.

Sources: Medical News Today, Alzheimer's Society, Mayo Clinic