• Washing or cleaning: Fearful of contamination.  Usually have cleaning or hand washing compulsions.

• Checking: Repeatedly checking things (e.g. oven turned off, door locked, etc.) that they associate with harm or danger.

• Doubting and sinning: Fearful that if everything isn't perfect or done right something terrible will happen or they will be punished.
  

• Counting and arranging: Consumed with order and symmetry.  They may have superstitions about certain numbers, colors, or arrangements. 
  

• Hoarding: Fearful that something bad will happen if they throw anything away.  They compulsively hoard things that they don't need or use.

Signs and symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Most people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have both obsessions and compulsions, but some people experience just one or the other.

Common obsessive thoughts include:

• Fear of being contaminated by germs or dirt or contaminating others.
• Fear of causing harm to yourself or others.
• Intrusive sexually explicit or violent thoughts and images.
• Excessive focus on religious or moral ideas.
• Fear of losing or not having things you might need.
• Order and symmetry, they idea that everything must line up "just right."
• Superstitions, excessive attention to something considered lucky or unlucky.

Common compulsive behaviors include:

• Excessive double-checking of things, such as locks, appliances, and switches.
• Repeatedly checking in on loved ones to make sure they're safe.
• Counting, tapping, repeating certain words, or doing other senseless things to reduce anxiety.
• Spending a lot of time washing or cleaning.
• Ordering or arranging things "just so."
• Praying excessively or engaging in rituals triggered by religious fear.
• Accumulating "junk" such as old newspapers or empty food containers.

Treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

The obsessions and compulsions that accompany obsessive-compulsive disorder can interfere with a person's normal routine, schoolwork, employment, family, or social activities.  Several hours a day may be spent focusing on obsessive thought and performing seemingly senseless rituals.  Trying to concentrate or stay focused on daily activities may be difficult.  Left untreated, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can interfere with all aspects of life. 

Left untreated, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is usually chronic and follows a waxing and waning course.  That is, symptoms may get somewhat better for months or even years, only to get worse again before returning to a lower level of severity.  Stress can make obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) worse, so learning coping and relaxation skills to counter stress is helpful.  Idleness can be the breeding ground for increased obsessional thinking, therefore it is better for most people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) to keep busy. 

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) treatment can be difficult, and treatment may not result in a cure.  However, treatment can help bring symptoms under control so that they don't rule your daily life. 

Counseling, psychotherapy, and medication for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

A type of therapy called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be effective.  Cognitive behavioral therapy involves focusing on the catastrophic thoughts and exaggerated sense of responsibility you feel.  A big part of cognitive therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is teaching you healthy and effective ways of responding to obsessive thoughts and retraining your thought patterns and routines so that compulsive behaviors are no longer necessary.  Counseling can also help provide education about obsessive-compulsive disorder and teach other coping skills to help reduce symptoms such as goal setting, time management, relaxation and stress management skills.

• Learn about obsessive-compulsive disorder: Education about obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can help empower you and motivate you to stick to your treatment plan.
• Join a support group: Support groups for people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can help you reach out to others facing similar challenges.
• Stay focused on your goals: Recovery form obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an ongoing process.  Stay motivated by keeping your recovery goals in mind.  Remind yourself that you're responsible for managing your illness and working toward your goals. 
  
• Find healthy outlets: Explore healthy ways to channel your energy, such as hobbies, exercise and recreational activities.
  
• Learn relaxation and stress management: Try such stress management techniques as meditation, muscle relaxation, deep breathing, visualization, yoga or tai chi.
• Structure your time: Plan your day and activities.  Try to stay organized.  You may find it helpful to make a list of daily tasks.
  

Certain psychiatric medications can help control the obsessions and compulsions of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).  Antidepressants may be helpful for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) because they may help increase the levels of serotonin, which may be lacking.  A combination of both counseling or psychotherapy in a addition to medication has been shown to produce the best results.