Symptoms

Organisation

Obsession with how things are placed and their symmetry. If the compulsion to place everything perfectly is not fulfilled, the person might experience distress and thoughts of unrelated harm befalling them or their loved ones.

Contamination

Fear of germs and illnesses. Even everyday things, thoughts and words can “contaminate” a person. They might avoid certain objects, people, and places. They may also wash their hands and clean things obsessively. There is also a gnawing fear of making themselves or others ill from carelessness.

Intrusive Thoughts

Distressing and often abhorrent ideas, often involving violence, pop into their heads randomly. These thoughts are often contradictory to how the person feels or behaves so feeling of distress and confusion may occur over how the thoughts even crossed their minds.

Ruminations

Similar to intrusive thought-based OCD, but the thoughts may be philosophical, religious or metaphysical conundrums. The sufferer will focus about this topic for a while and may neglect responsibilities. Because these question have no answers, feelings of unease may arise after pondering over it for long.

Checking

Overly concerned about causing damage or harm by being careless. They might have to check something multiple times or even stare at it for a period before they can feel more at ease.

Of course, not all rituals and habits are compulsions. Here are some signs that your habits are compulsions.


Watch the video on the right and see how many OCD symptoms you can spot!

Treatment Options

OCD is typically treated with medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two. Although most patients with OCD respond to treatment, some patients continue to experience symptoms. Sometimes people with OCD also have other mental disorders so it is important to consider these other disorders when making decisions about treatment.

Medication

  • Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs), which include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are used to help reduce OCD symptoms
  • SRIs often require higher daily doses in the treatment of OCD than of depression
  • May take 8 to 12 weeks to start working
  • If SRIs do not work, patients can consider antipsychotic medication

If you are prescribed medication:

  • Talk with your health care provider or a pharmacist to make sure you understand the risks and benefits of the medications you're taking.
  • Do not stop taking medication without talking to your health care provider first. Suddenly stopping a medication may lead to the worsening of OCD symptoms. Other uncomfortable or potentially dangerous withdrawal effects are also possible.
  • Report any concerns about side effects to your healthcare provider right away. You may need a change in the dose or a different medication.

Psychotherapy

  • Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and other related therapies (e.g., habit reversal training) can be as effective as medication for many individuals.
  • Treatment is often personalised, so discuss with your healthcare provider on treatments suitable for you.
  • In 2018, the FDA also approved Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for the treatment of OCD in adults.