Signs of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

While it may be perfectly normal to occasionally go back to make sure the front door is locked, individuals suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder may find themselves preoccupied with thoughts of an unlocked door. These individuals may imagine terrible things happening, such as a home invasion. As a result, they might repeatedly rush back to check that the door is locked, even though they already checked the door just an hour ago. Obsessive compulsive disorder can be a serious condition that affects all aspects of daily life, including school, work, friends and family relationships. In order to receive proper treatment, it is important to first recognize the signs of obsessive compulsive disorder.

Characteristics of Obsessive Behavior

One of the first signs of obsessive compulsive behavior is a preoccupation with a specific image, thought or action. The individual may experience recurrent thoughts or impulses that intrude at inappropriate times. These invasive thoughts are not related to actual problems, and they are also marked by considerable distress or anxiety. In many cases, people experiencing these obsessive tendencies will attempt to ward off such thoughts by focusing on unrelated tasks, ideas or images. The individual may recognize that these impulses are obsessive, but may feel that they have no control over them.

Characteristics of Compulsive Behavior

Another of the signs of obsessive compulsive disorder is the presence of compulsions that often take up significant amounts of time each day. Markers of compulsive behavior include repetitive actions, such as washing, checking or ordering objects. In some cases, the compulsion may result in repetitive mental actions, such as counting, praying or reciting phrases.

People suffering from compulsive behavior may feel that repeating these behaviors will prevent some horrible unseen disaster. Oftentimes, the sufferer will repeat these actions in an attempt to fight anxiety or distress. However, it is important to note that the compulsive task is not related to the imagined horrors that the individual is trying to ward off.

Getting Diagnosed With Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

In order to be formally diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder, individuals suffering from the symptoms above must meet or exceed the criteria established by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual. This manual, developed by the American Psychiatric Association, serves as the diagnostic tool used by most mental health professionals to assess, evaluate and diagnose people suffering from psychological distress.

One of the key criteria for diagnosis is that the individual must recognize that the obsessive compulsive behaviors are both irrational and excessive. The repetitious thoughts and behaviors must also pose a significant problem in daily life, such as disrupting a normal living routine, interfering with personal relationships, creating problems at work or disrupting social functioning.

A physician or mental health professional will also need to rule out other disorders or health conditions that can cause the same symptoms, such as substance abuse or certain medical conditions.

Obsessive compulsive disorder can be a source of stress, frustration and disruption in a person's life. However, recognizing the signs of this disorder is the first step toward finding help and developing a treatment plan. By seeking out the help of a qualified mental health expert, people can find the help and relief they need thanks to a number of effective therapeutic treatments.