OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER (OCD)

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Persons with OCD have obsessions or compulsions. Obsessions are disturbing thoughts that people have over and over again. This in turn leads people to perform certain actions over and over again which are called complusions.

OCD is a chronic but treatable illness that can affect one's ability to function in normal way.

Examples of Obsessions include:

• Fear of contamination by dirt, germs , etc,.
• Fear of having a serious illness.
• A need for symmetry, order or exactness.

Examples of Compulsions include:

• Repeated actions such as Hand washing or cleaning
• Checking and rechecking that something has been done ( E.g. locking the door )
• Arranging objects over and over again.
• Hoarding possessions.