What Is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

It is a mental illness consisting of obsessive thoughts and impulses called obsessions and repetitive behaviors and mental actions called compulsions.

Not every obsessive thought or behavior implies that the person has obsessive-compulsive disorder. Things like not being sure of certain things and checking them over and over again, being organized are things that anyone can do.

However, this disorder can be mentioned when obsessions and/ or difficulties are observed, and when they significantly affect the daily functions of the person who goes with persistent and sometimes periodic exacerbations.

There are distressing thoughts, dreams, feelings and desires (obsession) that come to mind over and over again and/or the inability to do the same thing over and over again for a long time (compulsion).
Although the person tries to ignore or stop his/her obsessions, he/she cannot prevent the situation and increases his/her worries.

The person forces himself as he begins to take coercive actions to relieve his stress. Although they try to get rid of obsessive thoughts or impulses, this can sometimes lead to worse results.
What Are The Symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder usually involves obsessions and compulsions. But it is also possible to have only signs of obsession or only signs of compulsion.

Obsessions are repetitive, persistent, and unwanted images that cause distress or anxiety. The person tries to ignore or suppress these thoughts.
Obsessions often have themes such as:
Fear of contamination with dirt or germs
Being regular and symmetrical
Obsession with excessive cleaning
Thoughts of self or loved ones being harmed
Unwanted thoughts, such as sexual or religious issues
Having difficulty in tolerating doubt and uncertainty
Compulsions include mental actions in repetitive behaviors that the person feels forced to perform in response to his/her obsession or in accordance with the rules to be followed in a strict manner.
Compulsions usually have themes such as:

Washing and cleaning
Checking
Count
Regularity
Saying some words that have religious value
Repeating words silently
Obsessions and compulsions take up too much of a person's time (more than an hour a day).
It is very important to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It may not heal on its own if left untreated. The most effective approach to treatment is to combine medications with appropriate therapies.