This week Haylie and I discuss OCD.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic mental health condition characterized by obsessions which lead to compulsive behaviors.

People often double check to make sure they’ve locked the front door or always wear their lucky socks on game days — simple rituals or habits that make them feel more secure.

OCD goes beyond double checking something or practicing a game day ritual. Someone diagnosed with OCD feels compelled to act out certain rituals repeatedly, even if they don’t want to — and even if it complicates their life unnecessarily.

What is OCD?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by repetitive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and irrational, excessive urges to do certain actions (compulsions).

Although people with OCD may know that their thoughts and behaviors don’t make logical sense, they’re often unable to stop them.

Symptoms

Obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors associated with OCD generally last more than an hour each day and interfere with daily life.

Obsessions

These are upsetting thoughts or impulses that repeatedly occur.

People with OCD may try to ignore or suppress them, but they may be afraid that somehow the thoughts might be true.

The anxiety associated with suppression can also become too great to endure, making them engage in compulsive behaviors to decrease their anxiety.

Compulsions

These are repetitive acts that temporarily relieve the stress and anxiety brought on by an obsession. Often, people who have compulsions believe these rituals will prevent something bad from happening.

OCD 

Checking

Contamination

Symmetry

Hoarding