What are the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

Symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) include intrusive thoughts that are irrational or worrisome, paired with ritualistic behaviors or compulsions that alleviate anxiety. Watch psychiatrist Sue Varma, MD, explain the main symptoms of OCD.

Transcript

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So people sometimes end up washing their hands 20 to 30 times a day. Their hands might be so dry, scaly, even to the point where,

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sometimes, if they rub their hands so much, they may even have abrasions from the hand washing. [UPBEAT MUSIC]

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In obsessive compulsive disorder, people will find that they have intrusive thoughts that are worrisome, that are irrational beliefs

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and may have to do with cleanliness, with organization. Sometimes, people have certain ritualistic behaviors

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or compulsions that help them decrease the anxiety. So let's say somebody has fear of germs.

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They may be washing their hands excessively. And when I mean excessively, I'm not talking about, you know, once or twice even an hour.

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I'm talking about several times an hour throughout the day. So people sometimes end up washing their hands 20 to 30 times a day.

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Their hands might be so dry, scaly, even to the point where, sometimes, if they rub their hands so much,

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they may even have abrasions from the hand washing. So we're talking about people who, you know, really have an excessive fear.

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And this anxiety has taken over in certain behavioral manifestations. And-- and it is irrational.

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So the hallmark, sort of, is this irrational fear and certain ritualistic behaviors or compulsions, as we call it.