Synonyms in a broader sense:
compulsion, washing compulsion, cleaning compulsion, control compulsion, counting compulsion, compulsion
Definition
Compulsions can be reflected in the form of thoughts, impulses or behavior. In most cases, the persons concerned know very well that their behavior or thought processes are clearly exaggerated and inappropriate. However, they are not able to do anything about it on their own.
The affected persons usually feel so strongly burdened by the manifestations of the obsessive-compulsive disorder that it would be much more unpleasant for them not to give in to the compulsion and to ignore the thoughts or impulses for action. If these thoughts or actions are not carried out, most of those affected feel exposed to strong fears. the consequences are often strong physical symptoms.
Symptoms
The obsessive thoughts can manifest themselves in behavior (or action impulses), or in the thoughts or ideas of the person concerned. Characteristic is the regular occurrence of these obsessive thoughts or actions in everyday life. Often the obsessive thoughts remain in the person’s consciousness for a longer period of time and do not disappear again immediately after their appearance.
The persons concerned try to ignore these obsessive thoughts or actions to a large extent. Often this happens also by trying to let other thoughts arise or to pursue another activity. The compulsive thoughts and compulsive behaviors interfere with the normal thought process or course of action. The persons concerned often come to the realization themselves that their compulsive thoughts or behaviors are exaggerated.
Other symptoms
Other possible symptoms that can occur in the context of OCD:
- General nervousness
- Concern
- High level of anxiety
- Depressive disgruntlement
- Self Uncertainty
- Physical symptoms like sweating, trembling, palpitations, etc.
Epidemiology
The disease of obsessive-compulsive disorder occurs in 95% of all cases before the age of 40. The average onset of the disease is between the ages of 20 and 25. Men develop the disease earlier than women, but the gender distribution among the affected persons in adulthood can still be considered balanced. Men and women therefore fall ill with comparable frequency at a higher age.
