Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

What Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?

People with obsessive-compulsive disorder engage in repetitive behaviors (compulsions) as a way to deal with obsessive thoughts and impulses. More than 3 million adults in the U.S. suffer from this anxiety disorder.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms can occur on and off. They can lessen over time or get progressively worse. People with OCD sometimes will use alcohol or other drugs to relieve their anxiety. OCD in some people can be severe enough to keep them from working or functioning as part of a family.

Obsessions are recurring irrational and disturbing thoughts, ideas and impulses that cause uncontrollable anxiety. Some common obsessions are:

• Fear of dirt or contamination
• Concern over order, symmetry, exactness
• Persistently recalling certain sounds, images, words, numbers
• Fear of hurting someone close
• Anxiety about thinking evil or sinful thoughts

Common compulsions include rituals such as:

• Washing hands over and over
• Repetitive counting
• Always touching things the same number of times
• Arranging things in an exact order

For people with OCD, carrying out a ritual relieves anxiety for awhile, but when it returns, they repeat their compulsive behavior.

Who's at risk?

About a third of adults with OCD developed symptoms in childhood or early adolescence. The disorder affects men and women equally. Some risk factors are:

• Family history of OCD
• Presence of depression or other anxiety disorder

Professional help

Obsessive-compulsive disorder can't be cured, but there are treatments to control it. These include cognitive behavior therapy to retrain thought patterns and antidepressant medication. If you have symptoms of OCD, talk to your doctor or other health professional.

Priority Health members can check here for information on getting mental health assistance.

What you can do

If you're being treated for OCD, you'll see the best results if you:

• Take your prescribed doses of medication on schedule
• Attend all of your therapy sessions
• Get enough rest, eat right and find time to relax. Stay away from caffeine and nicotine. Don't rely on alcohol or unprescribed drugs to relieve symptoms.
• Get perspective by talking with a close family member, friend or counselor.
• Consider joining a support group
• Help your friends and family understand OCD and its effects
• Learn everything you can about OCD and other anxiety disorders. Read more here:
  
• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Panic disorder
• Phobias

Talk with a case manager

If you need extra help - perhaps because you are dealing with additional health risks - a Priority Health case manager will help you:

• Send you educational materials
• Work with your doctor if necessary
• Answer questions and offer support
  Contact a case manager now.