What it is: This anxiety disorder often begins in adolescence or young adulthood. It is characterized by recurrent obsessions (persistent, unwanted impulses or images) or compulsions (repetitive behaviors or rituals to help alleviate anxiety) that cause major distress and anxiety and significantly interfere with one's daily routine or relationships. For example, an obsessive fear of germs might coincide with compulsively washing one's hands. The ritualized behavior does not necessarily have anything to do with the fear of infection; more commonly, the person suffering from this disorder believes that by repeating the behavior, she may be able to ward off fears.
Symptoms:
unrealistic or excessive worry
repeating ritualized behaviors
cleaning to the point of excess
checking and rechecking (an alarm clock, the oven)
completing a series of things in a specific order and if interrupted, beginning again until completion is achieved
being meticulous
avoiding specific things (sidewalk cracks)
hoarding
slowness
difficulty sleeping
shakiness
upset stomach
high pulse and/or breathing rate
Treatment: OCD is a brain disorder that can be treated with behavior therapy such as exposure and response prevention, which is successful in 50-90% of sufferers. Some medications, like serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are very helpful. Family support, education, and therapy are also essential for successful treatment.
