Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Causes, SIgns and Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment.

Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental disorder in which a person has certain thoughts repeatedly (called “obsessions”) or feels the need to perform certain routines repeatedly (called “compulsions”) to an extent which generates distress or impairs general functioning.[1][2] The person is unable to control either the thoughts or activities for more than a short period of time.[1] Common compulsions include hand washing, counting of things, and checking to see if a door is locked.[1] These activities occur to such a degree that the person’s daily life is negatively affected,[1] often taking up more than an hour a day.[2] Most adults realize that the behaviors do not make sense.[1] The condition is associated with tics, anxiety disorder, and an increased risk of suicide.[2][3]

The cause is unknown.[1] There appear to be some genetic components, with both identical twins more often affected than both non-identical twins.[2] Risk factors include a history of child abuse or other stress-inducing event.[2] Some cases have been documented to occur following infections.[2] The diagnosis is based on the symptoms and requires ruling out other drug-related or medical causes.[2] Rating scales such as the Yale–Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) can be used to assess the severity.[7] Other disorders with similar symptoms include anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, eating disorders, tic disorders, and obsessive–compulsive personality disorder.[2]