Explore Over 11,000+ Conditions, Medications, and Symptoms.

Get a personalized feed by signing up for free.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023

Additional names

This group contains additional names: - OCD Traits - Intrusive thoughts

General

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric disorder characterized by repetitive, intrusive thoughts (termed obsessions) that bring a strong sense of anxiety and stress, together with an urge to perform specific actions for temporary relief (termed compulsions). About 1-2% of the population are estimated to have OCD. There is no single cause for OCD, and both genetic and environmental factors are involved.

7,732 people with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) are on Alike.

"Alike is the place to get answers from people who firsthand share your health challenges"

Signs & symptoms

repetitive, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) may include: - Fear of infection and filth. - Constant doubt. - Intrusive, unwanted violent or sexual thought. Repetitive actions that provide temporary relief (compulsions) include: - Constant checking – whether the car is locked, whether the windows are closed, etc. - Hand washing. - Counting. - Urge for symmetry. Patients can have more than one obsession and compulsion. They are usually aware that their obsessions and compulsions are unreasonable, and they struggle against them.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made via a psychiatric assessment, conducted by a psychiatrist – a medical doctor specializing in psychiatry. This assessment includes questioning, physical exams, cognitive exams, and other tests that might exclude other diseases or conditions.

Treatment

Treatment for OCD includes psychotherapy and medication. Psychotherapy includes cognitive-behavioral therapy with gradual exposure to the obsessive thought and prevention of the compulsion (called exposure and response prevention). Medical treatment includes antidepressant medications.

Note

☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

pp-logo

Alike is a transformative platform that goes beyond just bringing together patients; it meticulously connects individuals based on multiple critical factors, such as age, gender, comorbidities, medications, diet, and more, fostering a community of knowledge, support and empathy.

appStoreBtngooglePlayBtn

© 2020-2024 Alike, Inc