Diseases
obsessive-compulsive disorder
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common mental health condition where a person has obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours. OCD can affect men, women and children. Some people start having symptoms early, often around puberty, but it usually starts during early adulthood.
Symptoms
- obsessive-compulsive disorder usually includes both obsessions and compulsions
- fear of contamination or dirt
- doubting and having difficulty tolerating uncertainty
- doubts that you've locked the door or turned off the stove
- compulsion symptoms: washing and cleaning, checking, and counting
Causes
- biology. ocd may be a result of changes in your body's own natural chemistry or brain functions.
- genetics. ocd may have a genetic component, but specific genes have yet to be identified.
- learning. obsessive fears and compulsive behaviors can be learned from watching family members or gradually learned
Risk factors
- family history.
- stressful life events.
Diagnosis
- physical exam.
- psychological evaluation.
- diagnostic criteria for ocd.
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is obsessive-compulsive disorder?
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common mental health condition where a person has obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours. OCD can affect men, women and children. Some people start having symptoms early, often around puberty, but it usually starts during early adulthood.
What are the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder?
obsessive-compulsive disorder usually includes both obsessions and compulsions, fear of contamination or dirt, doubting and having difficulty tolerating uncertainty, doubts that you've locked the door or turned off the stove, compulsion symptoms: washing and cleaning, checking, and counting
What causes obsessive-compulsive disorder?
biology. ocd may be a result of changes in your body's own natural chemistry or brain functions.; genetics. ocd may have a genetic component, but specific genes have yet to be identified.; learning. obsessive fears and compulsive behaviors can be learned from watching family members or gradually learned
Which medicines are used for obsessive-compulsive disorder?
citalopram, clomipramine, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline
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