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Symptoms

The main symptoms of OCD are obsessions and compulsions.

Common Obsessions:

  • Anxiety about germs or contamination​

  • Need for symmetry or orderliness

  • Anxiety about losing or forgetting items

  • Hostile thoughts toward oneself or others

  • Anxiety about losing control over one’s actions

  • Intrusive or inappropriate thoughts involving harm, sex, or religion

Source: Etsy

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Source: CounselingRx

Common Compulsions:

  • Frequent and excessive handwashing or cleaning

  • Repeatedly looking over things multiple times to make sure an action is complete

  • Meticulously arranging or organizing items in a specific way

  • Silently repeating certain words or phrases

  • Engaging in compulsive counting

        People with OCD often find it difficult to control their obsessions and compulsions, even though they often know their obsessions and compulsions are irrational. While everyone has disturbing thoughts, those who suffer from OCD often think that their thoughts are equivalent to actions, even though thoughts are just thoughts. OCD typically consumes over an hour of an individual's day, and the compulsions do not please them but rather provide temporary relief from anxiety. These compulsions generally end up causing problems in the daily lives of people with OCD. 
        The symptoms of OCD normally get worse during times of stress. Furthermore, the nature of someone’s obsessions and compulsions can change over time. Someone who suffers from OCD may avoid situations that induce their obsessions and compulsions or abuse substances to cope with their condition.
        In children, OCD is easier to detect. One difference between OCD in children and OCD in adults is that adults with OCD recognize that their compulsive actions are irrational, but children with OCD often do not realize that their compulsive actions are illogical.
        Many of those who suffer from OCD have a diagnosed mood or anxiety disorder. Over 70% of OCD patients have some type of anxiety disorder. Moreover, it is not uncommon for people with OCD to have tic disorders (repetitive movements or sounds).

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