Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an incredibly common, and long-lasting disorder in which a person will have recurring thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions) that he/she feels the need to constantly repeat. Obsessions are the worrisome thoughts that can cause anxiety, compulsions are the behaviors we use to relieve our anxieties.

For example, a person may constantly worry about their car being broken into. To manage their anxiety, they will check whether their car is locked or not dozens of times a day or night. Realistically, this behavior will not prevent a break in, but a person will feel extreme anxiety if they do not follow through.

Not all habits are compulsions—everyone double checks things sometimes. But, a person with OCD generally cannot control their thoughts or behaviors, spends a minimum of 1 hour a day on these thoughts or behaviors, doesn’t get pleasure when performing these rituals, and experienced significant problems in their personal life due to these behaviors.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is an extremely common disorder. Most people are diagnosed by the age of 19 with OCD. The causes of OCD are mostly unknown, but risk factors include: genetics, brain structure & functioning, and the environment. Many people who experience OCD also commonly experience anxiety and depression.

OCD is most commonly treated with medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two. Most patients respond to OCD treatment, although some patients continue to experience symptoms. You are not alone in experiencing symptoms of OCD. The counselors here at PCA are ready to help you take back your life and seek treatment against OCD.