What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?
Obsessions are repeated, unwanted thoughts. Compulsive behaviors are rituals that get out of control. For many people, obsessions begin as a coping mechanism for overcoming anxieties.
People who experience obsessive disorders do not automatically have compulsive behaviors. However, most people who have compulsive, ritual behaviors also suffer from obsessions.
Obsessive – Compulsive disorders often begin during the teens or early adulthood. Generally they are chronic and cause moderate to severe disability. People who have obsessive – compulsive disorders usually have involuntary, recurrent and persistent thoughts or impulses that are distasteful to them. Examples are fears of becoming infected by shaking hands with others or fears of committing a violent act. These thoughts can last for seconds or hours. The most common obsessions focus on hurting others or violating socially acceptable behavioral standards, such as searing or making inappropriate sexual advances. For some individuals they are focused on religious or philosophical issues.
Compulsive individuals go though repeated, involuntary ritualistic behaviors in the belief that they are preventing an unwanted future event, as in the case of those who worry about infection and develop compulsive hand-washing habits. Hand washing affects more women than men. Compulsives also check and recheck that doors are locked or that electric switches and ovens are turned off. The checking compulsion seems to affect more men than women.
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