Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

Symptoms:

Obsessions—unwanted, repetitive, and intrusive ideas, impulses, or images
Compulsions—repetitive behaviors or mental acts to reduce the distress associated with obsessions

People with OCD may know that their thoughts and behaviors do not make sense. And they would like to avoid or stop them. But they are often unable to block their obsessive thoughts or compulsions.

Common obsessions:

Persistent fears that harm may come to self or a loved one
Unreasonable concern with being contaminated
Unacceptable religious, violent, or sexual thoughts
Excessive need to do things correctly or perfectly
Persistent worries about a tragic event

Common compulsions:

Excessive checking of door locks, stoves, water faucets, light switches, etc.
Repeatedly making lists, counting, arranging, or aligning things
Collecting and hoarding useless objects
Repeating routine actions a certain number of times until it feels just right
Unnecessary rereading and rewriting
Mentally repeating phrases
Repeatedly washing hands

Diagnosis

OCD is usually diagnosed through a psychiatric assessment. OCD is diagnosed when obsessions and/or compulsions either:

Cause a person significant distress
Interfere with a person’s ability to properly perform at work, school, or in relationships

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