An individual with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder engages in rituals as a result of obsessive thoughts. OCD usually becomes evident during childhood, and most individuals receive a diagnosis by the age of 19. Obsessions and compulsions can be severe enough to severely disrupt a person's life.
Obsessive Thoughts
OCD sufferers repeatedly have images and thoughts about such things as sexual acts, violence, neatness, intruders and, most commonly, a fear of dirt and germs.
Compulsive Rituals
Rituals are used to combat such thoughts and include repeatedly washing hands and other body parts, counting things over and over, checking locks and storing unnecessary items.
Uncontrollable Behaviors
Such repetitive thoughts and rituals may seem strange to some, but are uncontrollable to an individual suffering from OCD. Sufferers are aware of these behaviors, and are usually ashamed of them.
Anxiety
Although OCD sufferers may be aware of these behaviors, they get no pleasure from them. Their obsessions and compulsions cause severe anxiety that is obvious to others. Those with OCD must constantly engage in rituals to provide relief from anxiety.
Time Consumption
Non-obsessive compulsive individuals may engage in these behaviors occasionally, which should not cause any alarm. Those who suffer from OCD will spend hours out of every day on these behaviors, severely disrupting their lives.
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