What Is OCD?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a treatable neurobiological disorder characterized by obsessions and/or compulsions/rituals. Certain compulsions are performed in an effort to relieve the anxiety or distress caused by the obsessions. Obsessions and compulsions can be extremely time-consuming, cause significant emotional distress, and may greatly interfere with day-to-day functioning and interpersonal relationships. Individuals with OCD may go to great lengths to hide obsessions and compulsions due to embarrassment and shame.
- The exact cause of OCD is unknown, although research points to genetic and other biological causes.
- OCD impacts 1 in every 40 adults and 1-2 in every 100 children.
- OCD affects approximately two percent of the population every year.
- OCD usually appears in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood but may also arise in response to a significant life event, such as pregnancy/the postpartum period or trauma.
- OCD affects all genders equally.
- It often takes a long time for an OCD sufferer to get the proper diagnosis and treatment.
- Effective treatment is available for OCD.
There are a variety of conditions that have obsessive-compulsive qualities that are quite similar to OCD. These include PANDAS, body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), hoarding disorder, trichotillomania, compulsive skin picking, hypochondria, and olfactory reference syndrome.