Have you seen your friend or a family member, constantly cleaning? Or arranging things in a particular way? Well, if they do it 10 times in a day, then they might be suffering from what is called Obsessive-compulsive disorder. This is no bad thing, but becomes threatening, once it is more than the usual. You can to a certain extent actually manage it.

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Is obsessive-compulsive disorder a disease?

No, there is no virus or bacteria behind it. It is a mental disorder. In this particular case. It is an anxiety disorder in which time people have recurring, unwanted thoughts, ideas or sensations (obsessions) that make them feel driven to do something repetitively (compulsions).

The repetitive behaviors, such as hand washing, checking on things or cleaning, can significantly interfere with a person’s daily activities and social interactions.

Are there types of obsessive-compulsive disorder?

Well, yes there are various kinds that you must be well aware of in advance. If you think you or anyone close to you are experiencing this, you must take action.

There are two basic things to be kept in mind, the first one is 1) Compulsion 2) Obsession

1) Compulsion

This is the thought of doing something out of the will, yet it has to be done. Compulsions are something you keep on doing as a response to an obsession. This is done to either remove or reducing distress or a feared situation. In the most severe cases, a constant repetition of rituals may fill the day, making a normal routine impossible.

2) Obsession

OCD obsessions are repeated, and continuous thinking that you try but cannot stop and this causes distress or anxiety. You might try to ignore them or get rid of them by performing a compulsive behavior or ritual. You try getting rid of it, but it becomes very difficult otherwise.

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What are the common symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder?

In a lot of cases, you might already have symptoms of the disorder, and to not miss it, you must know. Here are the signs you can go through.

Checking

In cases such as locks, alarm systems, ovens, or light switches, or think you have a medical condition like pregnancy or schizophrenia.

Dirty or not dirty

A fear of things that might be dirty or a compulsion to clean. Mental contamination involves feeling like you’ve been treated like dirt.

Symmetry and order

It is the need to have things lined up in a certain way. You think something that you fantasize about. Obsession with a line of thought. Some of these thoughts might be violent or disturbing.

Obsessive-Compulsive disorder is not about habits like biting your nails or thinking negative thoughts. An obsessive thought might be that certain numbers or colors are “good” or “bad.” A compulsive habit might be to wash your hands seven times after touching something that could be dirty. Although you may not want to think or do these things, you feel powerless to stop.

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