OCD Symptoms Obsessions, Compulsions, Diagnosis

OCD Symptoms Obsessions, Compulsions, Diagnosis OCD Symptoms and Diagnosis Print Diagnosing and Treating OCD Symptoms By Owen Kelly, PhD Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on August 05, 2016 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on January 27, 2020 Peter Dazeley Collection / Stone / Getty Images More in OCD Symptoms and Diagnosis Causes Treatment Types Living With OCD Related Conditions Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent symptoms, primarily obsessions, and compulsions. Proper diagnosis and treatment of  these  OCD symptoms can bring relief. Obsessions Obsessions are unwanted thoughts, images, or ideas that wont go away  and that cause extreme distress. For example, you might worry constantly about unlikely scenarios, such as  becoming contaminated with a deadly disease, unintentionally  screaming out an obscenity at a funeral, or that something horrible will happen to a loved one. Other common obsessions can include  a need for extreme order;  repeated doubts,  such as believing you may hit someone with your car;  aggressive or disturbing ideas, such as thoughts of murdering your partner or child;  or disturbing sexual and religious imagery. Compulsions Compulsions are behaviors that you feel you must carry out repeatedly. For example, if you are obsessed with contamination, you might wash your hands over and over again. Other common compulsions include cleaning, counting, checking, requesting or demanding reassurance, and ensuring order and symmetry. Symptom Types The way in which OCD symptoms are experienced varies widely from person to person. There are many OCD symptom subtypes, which can vary depending on when the OCD occurs. Some people may even have symptoms of other disorders, such as schizophrenia. Finally, OCD symptoms can appear in response to very specific circumstances, such as infection or the birth of a child. Types of OCD Compulsive Hoarding Pathological or compulsive hoarding is a common OCD symptom. Hoarding is defined as acquiringâ€"and failing to throw outâ€"a large number of items that would appear to have little or no value to others. It often includes severe cluttering that gets in the way of home, work and/or social life. Diagnosis Although OCD symptoms are accepted as having biological roots, symptoms cant be diagnosed using a blood sample, X-ray or another medical test. A mental health professional such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, family doctor, or nurse with special training will usually make a diagnosis of OCD using medical judgment and experience. Be sure to speak as honestly as you can about your symptoms so that your health care professional can assist you in the best way possible. OCD Discussion Guide Get our printable guide to help you ask the right questions at your next doctors appointment. Download PDF Treatment OCD symptoms were once thought of as difficult to treat, but in reality, more than two-thirds of people with OCD respond well to treatment, including medication, cognitive-behavioral therapy, surgery, and self-help strategies. Discuss with your healthcare provider which treatment option may be best for you, so you can start to reduce the amount of anxiety in your life.