Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Signs & Symptoms
Obsessive
compulsive disorder symptoms can begin at any age from preschool
to adulthood. Typically the symptoms begin during the teenage
years or early adulthood.
Obsessive compulsive disorder symptoms are
classified into two areas: obsessions, repetitive unwanted thoughts
and compulsions, the routines individuals perform to
decrease anxiety about the unwanted thoughts.
Common obsessions of obsessive compulsive
disorder include:
- Fear of dirt or contamination by
germs
- Fear of causing harm to others
- Fear of making a mistake
- Repeated doubt
- Unacceptable sexual thoughts
- Need for order or symmetry
Common compulsions of obsessive compulsive
disorder include:
- Repeating actions, such as washing
hands or cleaning
- Checking and rechecking that something
has been done, like the oven has been turned off
- Repetitively arranging objects
- Counting frequently
- Repeating a word, phrase or prayer
- Hoarding or keeping items that have
little importance
If you think you or someone you know may suffer
from obsessive compulsive disorder, learn more on the treatment
of obsessive compulsive disorder Treatment can give individuals
long-term control of their obsessive compulsive disorder symptoms.
To learn more about treatment
of this disease/disorder please see The
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Program section.
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