Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Causes

The exact cause of OCD is not known. The nervous system, environment, and genes may play a role.

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The genes that you inherit from your family may play a role in the development of OCD.

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Risk Factors

Things that may raise the risk of OCD are:

• Genes
• A history of abuse or neglect
• Stressful events
• Pregnancy—and right after birth

Symptoms

Symptoms of OCD may be:

• Obsessions—repeated and unwanted ideas, images, or urges, such as:
  • Fear of being harmed or causing harm
  • Excess fear of germs or dirt
  • Religious, violent, or sexual thoughts
  • Needing things in perfect order
• Compulsions—repeated and unwanted behaviors, such as:
  • Excess checking on things—such as door locks, stoves, and light switches
  • Making lists, counting, and arranging things
  • Hoarding useless objects
  • Repeating routine actions
  • Rereading and rewriting
  • Repeating phrases
  • Excess hand washing

OCD may happen with:

• Other anxiety disorders
• Depression
• Organic brain syndrome
• Tourette syndrome
• Attention deficit disorder

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms. OCD is diagnosed when symptoms:

• Are very upsetting
• Disrupt daily life

Treatment

The goal is to reduce unwanted thoughts and compulsions. Early treatment can have better results. Options may be:

• Medicines, such as:
  • SSRIs
  • Antidepressants
• Therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy

Sometimes OCD is severe and hard to treat. In this case, options may be:

• Electroconvulsive therapy —a brief electric pulse helps reset the brain
• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)— a device sends pulses to the brain
• Brain surgery

Prevention

There are no steps for preventing OCD.