Signs Of OCD Disorders To Watch Out For

Illustration of women suffering from OCD (Photo: Freepik)

JAKARTA - Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by the emergence of obsessions (interrupt thoughts or impulses) and computations (repetitive behaviors taken to relieve anxiety).

Symptoms of OCD can greatly disrupt a person's daily activities and quality of life. Here are the symptoms of OCD, as reported by the Mayo Clinic page.

1. Obsession symptoms

Obsession is thoughts, images, or urges that appear repeatedly without wanting. These thoughts usually make you anxious, scared, or uncomfortable.

Some things of obsession that people with OCD often experience include:

- Fear of contamination or dirt

For example, feeling anxious is excessive after touching objects that are touched by others.

- Excessive doubt

Often doubt whether the door is locked, the stove has been turned off, or the work has been done properly.

- Regularity and Balance Needs

Feeling restless if the object is not neat, balanced, or facing a certain direction.

- Aggressive or Dangerous Thoughts

Imagine hurt yourself or someone else, even if you really don't want to.

- Inappropriate Thoughts or Taboo

For example, thoughts related to sexuality, religion, or things that are deemed not to be in accordance with the norms.

2. Compulsion Symptoms

Compulsion is a repeated action taken to relieve anxiety due to obsession. This behavior often feels like a 'ritual' that must be done so that anxiety is reduced, although it actually has nothing to do with the thing to fear.

Some generalized forms of compulsion include:

- Washing and cleaning excessive, for example washing hands many times until the skin is irritated.

- Checking repeatedly, such as ensuring the door is locked or the stove dies many times.

- Calculate or repeat certain patterns, such as calculating steps while walking or repeating prayers in the heart.

- Get up and overdo it. They organize goods so that they are always parallel or in certain positions.

- Asking for certainty from other people, for example, constantly asking if he did something right.

3. Symptoms Severity Rate

Symptoms of OCD can be different for everyone. Some experience mild to still be able to carry out normal activities, but some have severe symptoms that disrupt work, school, and social relationships. Symptoms often worsen when a person is stressed or in a stressful situation.

When Do You Have To Go To A Doctor?

It needs to be distinguished between perfectionist nature and OCD. Perfectionist is a desire that work results are always perfect, while OCD involves excessive obsession and computation, makes no sense, and interferes with quality of life.

If obsessions and compulsion begin to interfere with routines, occupations, or relationships with other people, you should immediately consult a doctor or mental health worker.