Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), More Common Than You Think

Phobias Slideshow

Medical Author: Melissa Stoppler, M.D.
Medical Editor: Barbara K. Hecht, Ph.D.

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that may result in repetitive behaviors (compulsions).

Obsessive compulsive disorder is common. It affects over 2% of the population, more than 1 in 50 people. More people suffer from it than from panic disorder or from bipolar depression.

Obsessions themselves are the unwanted thoughts or impulses that seem to "pop up" repeatedly in the mind. These intruding thoughts can be fears, unreasonable worries, or a need to do things. When a person is tense or under stress, the obsessions can worsen.

Compulsions are the behaviors that may result from the obsessive thoughts. The most common compulsions include repetitive washing (hands or objects) and "checking" behaviors. Compulsions may be rituals, repeating certain actions, counting, or other recurrent behaviors. Some people with obsessive compulsive disorder are obsessed with germs or dirt.

People with obsessive compulsive disorder can have mild or severe symptoms. Those with mild obsessive compulsive disorder may be able to control their compulsive behaviors for certain periods of time (for example, at work) and may successfully hide their condition. However, in severe cases, obsessive compulsive disorder can interfere with social functioning and cause disability.

The symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder often appear early in life. They most commonly begin in childhood, the teen years, or early adulthood. Males and females of all races are equally affected, and obsessive compulsive disorder generally persists throughout life, with fluctuations in severity.

While the exact cause of obsessive compulsive disorder is not known, scientific evidence points to a possible biological abnormality. Positron Emission Tomography (PET), a type of imaging procedure, shows abnormal chemical activity in certain regions of the brain in persons with obsessive compulsive disorder.

Obsessive compulsive disorder can also be accompanied by other anxiety disorders, depression, eating disorders, or other psychological conditions. Some people with obsessive compulsive disorder are able to understand that their thoughts and actions are unrealistic and inappropriate, while others lack this insight.

Antidepressants that affect the neurotransmitter serotonin can provide relief for up to 75% of people with obsessive compulsive disorder. The most commonly prescribed drugs are the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), and fluoxetine (Prozac). Behavioral therapy can also be an effective treatment option. Psychotherapy for obsessive compulsive disorder may involve insight into the disruptive thoughts and impulses and confrontation with them in an attempt to control the associated compulsions.