What is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that causes repeated unwanted thoughts. To get rid of them, you may do the same tasks over and over. For example, if you fear that everything you touch has germs on it, you may wash your hands repeatedly to ease your fear.
What are the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?
Symptoms of OCD include:
- Obsessions.
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These are unwanted thoughts, ideas, and impulses that you have again and again. They won't go away. Examples include:
- A driving need to do things perfectly or correctly.
- A fear of getting dirty or infected.
- Compulsions.
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These are behaviors that you repeat to try to control the obsessions. Examples include:
- Washing, or checking that something has been done.
- Counting, often while doing another compulsive action, such as hand-washing.
The obsessions or compulsions usually take up a lot of time—more than 1 hour a day.
How is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) diagnosed?
Your doctor can check for OCD by asking about your symptoms and your past health. A physical exam may also be done. And you may also get a mental health assessment. This is a check of your emotions and how well you can think, reason, and remember. You may be given written or verbal tests. The doctor may also look at your appearance, your mood, your behavior, and how you express yourself.
How is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) treated?
Treatment for OCD includes counseling and medicines. Using both tends to work best.
Counseling includes a type of cognitive behavioral therapy called exposure and response prevention (ERP). ERP slowly increases your contact with the thing that causes worries or anxiety. With the help of a counselor, ERP can reduce your symptoms over time.
Antidepressant medicines called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are most often used. Antidepressants work differently for everyone. Your doctor will help find the medicine and dose that works best for you.
Treatment can make your symptoms less severe. But you may still have some mild symptoms after you start treatment.
How can you care for yourself when you have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?
It's important to take care of yourself every day when you have OCD. Take your medicines as directed. And do the homework your therapist gives you. The homework may include exercises called ERP. This stands for exposure and response prevention.
Reducing overall stress in your life is not a proven treatment for OCD symptoms. But it may help you cope.
It's a good idea to involve family members and loved ones in your treatment. This is even more important if your doctor suggested that you have therapy together. Keep the lines of communication open. It may help you deal with relationships that have become strained during your condition.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You feel you cannot stop from hurting yourself or someone else.
Where to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
If you or someone you know talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away. You can:
- Call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
- Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
- Text HOME to 741741 to access the Crisis Text Line.
Consider saving these numbers in your phone.
Go to 988lifeline.org for more information or to chat online.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- A person with OCD mentions suicide. If a suicide threat seems real, with a specific plan and a way to carry it out, you should stay with the person, or ask someone you trust to stay with the person, until you get help.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- Your unwanted thoughts or repeated actions and rituals upset your daily activities.
- Your symptoms of OCD are new or different from those you had before.
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