Obsessive Compulsive Disorders (OCD)

OCD
is a mental disorder in which people have uncontrollable, reoccurring thoughts, urges, or images (obsessions) and behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) that he or she feels the urge to repeat over and over to prevent or reduce distress.

Some common obsessions (not limited to the list):

  • Fear of germs or contamination
  • Unwanted forbidden or taboo thoughts involving sex, religion, and harm
  • Aggressive thoughts towards others or self
  • Having things symmetrical or in a perfect order
  • Repeated unwanted thoughts/ urges/ images

 

Some common compulsions (not limited to the list):

  • handwashing or excessing cleaning
  • ordering/ arranging
  • checking
  • counting
  • repeating words silently

Other assessments are required to exclude possibility of other physical or medical conditions before diagnosis is made. If you think you or your beloved ones have OCD, seek help.

 

Reference: National Institute of Mental Health, 2016; American Psychiatric Association, 2013