People with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) either have a problem with thoughts that repeat themselves over and over (obsession) or find themselves repeating behaviors over and over (compulsion). Sometimes a person is stuck with both. They know it’s excessive or unreasonable, but still can’t stop it. Most keep their rituals a secret, like washing of the hands way too often to get germs off or double and triple checking the doors to make sure they are locked.
OCD usually begins in adolescence or early adulthood, and most onsets are gradual. About 1 to 2% of the population has this disorder. As with most disorders, there is a wide range of severity from very mild to disabling. It often creates a lot of anxiety for the person if they try to resist their compulsion. The disorder is chronic in most cases, and, even with medications, relief is not complete. The severity of the disorder cycles, but it seldom disappears completely.
Some of the most prevalent compulsions are: Repeated checking of doors, locks, electrical appliances, or light switches; frequent cleaning of hands or clothes; strict attempts to keep various, personal items in careful order; mental activities that are repetitious, such as counting or praying. These behaviors often interfere with a person’s usual routine or social, work or personal functioning. OCD responds well to neurofeedback training. |
