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| What is OCD? |
| OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) is a condition characterized by obsessions (thoughts, images, or impulses that occur over and over again and feel out of your control) and compulsions (acts or thoughts repeated over and over to combat obsessive thoughts.) Some common obsessions are: contamination fears of germs, dirt, etc., imagining having harmed yourself or others, fear of losing control of aggressive urges, 'bad' thoughts, excessive religious or moral doubt, needing to have things 'just right', intrusive sexual thoughts/urges. Some common compulsions are: washing, checking, counting, tapping, repeating, touching, hoarding and praying. There are MANY other obsessions and compulsions, however they are not quite as common. OCD usually appears by age 40 and can start as early as pre school age. Usually, to be diagnosed, obsessions and/or compulsions must take up more than an hour a day and cause significant distress. This is only a brief overview of OCD. For more information: OCF (Obsessive Compulsive Foundation): http://www.ocfoundation.org/index.html OCF's OCD Screening Test: http://www.ocfoundation.org/ocf1070a.htm NIMH Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Page: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/ocdmenu.cfm Thanks, Administratorrcress, for the overview of OCD |
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| **Note** This site is upkept and maintained by people with OCD and is NOT a replacement for a doctor or therapist. Any advice seeked should be accepted at discretion of the disclaimer. We are not liable for any false information given to an individual. |