Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) - Symptoms

What are the symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)?

Psychological symptoms

• Inadaptable when faced with a new situation
• Rigid views, inflexible problem-solving approach
• Perfectionism
• Focus on trivial details
• Guilt; preoccupied with wrongdoing, stifling enjoyment
• Anxiety and tension from attempts to resist compulsion
• Sensitivity to criticism
• Often show little outward emotion, but hide anger and resentment
• Ruminations, eg internal debates or arguments, simple actions are endlessly reviewed
• Experience impulses/urges to perform acts that are often violent or embarrassing

Behavioural symptoms

• Compulsions: persistent, ritualistic behaviours such as ordering, checking, washing hands.
• Structured pattern for tasks; arranging things in a set order
• Inflexible, resistant to change
• May excessively use alcohol, or sedative, hypnotic or anti-anxiety medications.

Social impact

Obsessions or compulsions cause distress, are time consuming (over 1 hour everyday) Interfere with individual's normal routine, work, usual social activities or relationships Many individuals avoid objects or situations that provoke obsessions or compulsions especially situations involving the content of obsessions, eg dirt, contamination. Performing compulsions may become a major life activity, lead to serious marital, occupational or social disability, eg may lead to social isolation or in severe cases, actually housebound.

Information provided by SANE www.sane.org.uk