Symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder

OCD symptoms fall into two groups, obsessions and compulsions. Most people have both.

Common obsessions

• Fear of germs, dirt or illness
• Doubts, such as whether the stove is off or the door is locked
• Need for symmetry, order or things "just right"
• Unwanted thoughts about harming someone, or aggressive or sexual thoughts that feel terrible and out of character
• Religious or moral fears (scrupulosity)
• Fear of losing or throwing away things

Common compulsions

• Excessive hand washing or cleaning
• Repeated checking of locks, switches or appliances
• Counting, tapping or repeating actions until it feels right
• Arranging items in a certain order
• Mental rituals such as silent praying, counting or repeating phrases
• Seeking reassurance again and again from others
• Hoarding

Other signs

• Rituals taking more than an hour a day
• Distress, shame, secrecy, avoiding places or situations
• Raw, cracked hands from washing
• Being late, trouble concentrating and tiredness
• Anxiety, low mood and sleep problems

In children

Rituals at bedtime, repeated questions, long bathroom time, falling grades and anger when rituals are interrupted.

See a doctor if symptoms take time, cause distress or limit daily life.

Help now: thoughts of self-harm need urgent help. Call 112, or Tele-MANAS at 14416 in India.

Remember

Having an unwanted violent or sexual thought does not mean you will act on it. These thoughts are a common symptom of OCD.

When to get help

See a psychiatrist or psychologist if thoughts and rituals take more than an hour a day, cause distress or limit your life. Do not stop or replace prescribed medicines with herbs, and do not give herbs or home remedies to children without a paediatrician's advice. If you have thoughts of harming yourself, call 112 or Tele-MANAS at 14416 in India.