The patient has an unreasoning dread of getting dirty or being infected with disease, leading to frequent hand washing or cleaning.
One is worried about harming oneself or others, so in the patient's everyday life there will be conduct made to make sure this doesn't happen.
Things have to be arranged just so, or maybe a pattern followed strictly—all of which may mean that a lot more time than necessary is spent each day in order to complete ceremonies.
Unwanted, disturbing thoughts that compel the individual to mental rituals or shut out specific situations.
This is a part of the difficulty of getting rid of things, and the result is clutter and an abundance of things that are not useful.
The individual spends an unrealistic amount of time worrying that they will violate his or her own moral or religious principles, leading to compulsive confessions and prayers.
First-line treatment for OCD, helping to reduce obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.
A tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) often used in patients who don’t respond to SSRIs
In some cases, antipsychotics or mood stabilizers are considered if OCD is severe or treatment-resistant.
Headspace Wellness Clinic has board-certified OCD psychiatrists who can see you in person or via telepsychiatry in Washington, D.C.; North Carolina; and Virginia.