OCD manifests itself in a variety of ways, however the majority of cases fall into one of four categories:
Checking locks, alarm systems, stoves, or light switches, or suspecting a medical condition such as pregnancy or schizophrenia.
Contamination is characterised by a dread of being contaminated or a strong desire to clean. Feeling like you've been treated like dirt is a sign of mental contamination.
Symmetry and order, the need to arrange things in a specific order
Ruminations and intrusive ideas, as well as a fixation on a certain line of thinking. Some of these ideas may be aggressive or upsetting.
Obsessive thoughts can include:
Concerns about harming yourself or others
Constant awareness of blinking, breathing, or other bodily sensations
Suspicion that a partner is unfaithful despite no evidence to support it
Compulsive habits can include:
Performing things in a precise order or a certain "acceptable" number of times
Counting items, such as steps or bottles
Touching doorknobs, using public restrooms, and shaking hands
Thanks for sharing this informative post about the signs and symptoms of OCD.
There seems to be a great discrepancy in the public's opinion of OCD and how damaging the actual symptoms are. Specifically, I find it remarkable just how damaging the psychological ruminations of those suffering from OCD can be.
Referring to the DSM elucidates the problems even further:
According to the diagnostic criteria:
These recurrent and intrusive thought patterns are experienced as unwanted and intrusive, and in these individuals, this can cause marked anxiety and distress.
Specifically, these images may include dramatically violent imagery or urges.
Along with this, is the degree to which the patient may believe or not believe that the accompanying beliefs are true or not.
Thus, it seems that education is vitally important that people not make light of a terrible disorder.