Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?

People with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) have either obsessions, or compulsions, or both. The obsessions and/or compulsions are great enough to cause significant distress in their employment, schoolwork, or personal and social relationships.

What characteristics are associated with OCD?


As a result these thoughts, which are annoying, distracting, and inappropriate, tend to cause the person to have moderate to severe anxiety and other emotional discomfort. Common obsessive thoughts include themes of violence, fear of germs and/or infection, and doubts about one’s character and/or behavior. Furthermore people who suffer from OCD worry excessively and often attempt to avoid or to get rid of the bothersome thoughts by trying to replace them with more pleasant thoughts or actions.


Compulsions are behaviors. These specific behaviors are in direct response to the person’s troublesome, obsessive thinking. Therefore, people engage in the compulsive behaviors in order to reduce their obsessive thoughts.

Some of the most prevalent compulsions are:

  • Frequent cleaning of hands or clothes
  • Strict attempts to keep various, personal items in careful order
  • Mental activities that are repetitious, such as counting or praying

Are there genetic factors associated with OCD?

Yes, there are some genetic factors associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder. As a result research shows that people who have OCD frequently have close relatives who have a similar problem.

Does OCD affect males, females, or both?


At what age does OCD appear?

Hence males tend to experience obsessions and compulsions at an earlier age than females. Therefore OCD seems to frequently affect males somewhere between the ages of six (6) and fifteen (15).

How common is OCD in our society?


How is OCD diagnosed?



How is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder treated?

Some of the most common methods of treatment for people with obsessive-compulsive disorder are behavior therapy, prescription medication, or a combination of both. Hence current medications used for the treatment of OCD include Anafranil (clomipramine), Luvox (fluvoxamine), Paxil (paroxetine), and Prozac (fluoxetine). These medications can help diminish obsessive thinking and the subsequent compulsive behaviors.

What happens to someone with OCD?


What can people do if they need help?


Developed by John L. Miller, MD
Reviewed 7/2000

Back to the list of Resources