Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Alternative names:

obsessive-compulsive neurosis; OCD

Definition:

An anxiety disorder characterized by an inability to resist or stop continuous, abnormal thoughts or fears combined with ritualistic, repetitive, and involuntary defense behavior.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The cause of this disorder is unknown; however, there are several psychological theories related to its cause. Major depression, organic brain syndrome, and schizophrenia may contribute to its onset.

There are two features of this disorder. "Obsession" is recurrent and persistent thoughts, ideas, or images that involuntarily invade the conscious awareness. Common obsessive thoughts may be about violence, contamination, or worry about a tragic event. "Compulsion" is an act the individual feels compelled to take in response to an obsession, even though it is senseless and tends to be repetitive. A great deal of anxiety is created if this compulsion is not performed. An example of compulsion is repetitive hand washing in an individual with obsessions about cleanliness or contamination. Usually the compulsive action temporarily relieves the anxiety; but the anxiety relief is short-lived, and the compulsion soon returns.

The disorder is rare, affecting less than 0.05 % of the population. Men and women are affected equally, and the onset is usually in adolescence or early adulthood.