Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an anxiety related condition that is characterised by repetitive behaviours, compulsions and obsessions aimed at reducing anxiety. People who suffer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder are usually aware that their actions are abnormal or irrational, but they cannot find any other way to reduce their anxious thoughts. Those who suffer from OCD sometimes mistakenly perceived as superstitious, paranoid and even psychotic due to their repetitive, ritual and sometimes strange behavioural compulsive actions.

Who suffers from OCD?

Anyone can suffer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). OCD effects up to 3% of the population, males and females alike. It affects both children and adults from all walks of life. On average, OCD begins to effect people in adolescence. Unfortunately, OCD often remains untreated due to the lack of understanding of the condition and the help that is available. People who suffer from OCD often feel ashamed or too embarrassed to seek the help they require. This is why it is referred to as the secret illness.

Effects and Diagnosis of OCD

OCD type symptoms are experienced by many at some point in their lives. It is common for one to behave in a particular way to satisfy the odd, compulsive illogical thought or belief. It is fairly ordinary for people to have strange quirks and acts that they feel they must perform to satisfy particular beliefs. For example, some may feel they have to do something in a particular order before they go to bed as failing to do so will result in bad luck.

OCD however, can have a very big impact on a person’s life. Obsessions can become so impulsive and intense that they interfere with routines, a persons work, relationships and social life. It is when the compulsive acts interfere with normal everyday functioning that a person might be diagnosed as suffering from OCD.

Symptoms of OCD

OCD can take many forms. Generally, sufferers experience repetitive negative thoughts which they find incredibly difficult to ignore. It is these thought that cause them to carryout the compulsive act in attempt to relive such symptoms. There is also specific form of OCD known as ‘Pure O’. Those who suffer from ‘Pure O’ will experience obsessive thoughts but will not feel the compulsion to physically act upon these.

The symptoms of OCD can be characterised as follows:

• Recurrent, intrusive persistent thoughts and mental images that cause anxiety and distress; such thoughts are not limited to real life situations
• Realisation that these thoughts are not real but a product of anxiety
• It becomes impossible to ignore or suppress such thoughts without behaving, thinking or doing something in a specific way

The person will carryout monotonous compulsive acts to:

• Satisfy an obsession, mental rule or anxious thought
• Produce temporary relief
• Reduce anxiety and distress
• Prevent a devastating event or situation that they believe will materialise if they fail to carryout such actions

OCD can lead to feelings of stress, depression and hopelessness. Most people who suffer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) are aware that their thoughts and behaviour are senseless, but they are unable to control or stop such thoughts.

Types of OCD

There are many different types of OCD which effect people in different ways. The following are the most typical of OCD personality traits:

• Hoarders: Have difficulty throwing insignificant items away. As a result, they live in messy living environments
• Checkers: Feel they have to check and recheck things such as doors, windows, and electrical appliances and visualise that failing to do so will result in catastrophe.
• Washers and Cleaners: Have irrational fears of contamination by the spread of dirt and germs. They live in constant fear of becoming infected so they wash and clean everything they can throughout the day
• Obsessionals: Experience horrific and disturbing thoughts of harming others. They engage in compulsive activities such as counting and praying to counteract their thoughts.
• Orderers: Feel they have to arrange and order things in a specific way on a daily basis. They become highly distraught if things are rearranged or moved from who they put them.

Causes of OCD

The exact causes of OCD are unknown. There are however several known risk factors which can increase the likelihood of OCD. Risk factors include:

• Genetics; if a close relative or member of your family suffers from OCD then there is an increased chance that you will
• Traumatic life events; events such as death of a family member or changes in relationships can trigger OCD
• Specific Personality types; certain personality types are more prone to OCD. These include personalities that are more stressed, worried and anxious, those who always seek perfection are also more prone to OCD

The causes of OCD have been linked to decreased levels of a natural chemical within the brain called serotonin. Serotonin levels can influence mood.

Treating OCD

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder can be treated usinga combination of medication and therapy, see treatments for anxiety disorders