Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a complex form of the anxiety disorder. This disorder comprises of two distinct parts i.e. obsession and compulsion. Obsession can be defined as the intrusive unpleasant thoughts, image or urge which cause the feeling of disgust or anxiety. Compulsion is the repetitive behaviour which carried out for temporary relief from the unease caused by the obsessive thoughts. Obsession and compulsion occurs in a repetitive manner and can be explained through the OCD cycle.

The term OCD is generally used as a slang to describe excessive addiction towards a work. For instance, cleaning house, organise or tidy up things etc. These are not considered as illness if they are in a manageable stage. Having doubts, worries or beliefs are considered natural until it is not disrupting the other thoughts to an extent that it starts affecting our ability to lead a normal life and have a negative impact on the people around us. This is when it requires medical attention.

Common symptoms of obsession are –

Fear of deliberately harming yourself or others

Fear of harming yourself or others by mistake or accident

Fear of contamination of disease or infection

A need for a symmetry or orderliness

Intrusive sexual, explicit or violent thoughts

Obsessive focus on religious or moral beliefs

Special attention to some superstitions like lucky numbers etc.

Common symptoms of compulsion are-

Cleaning and hand washing

Checking things repeatedly

Ordering and arranging

Asking for reassurance

Repeating words silently

Accumulating junk like newspaper old food container etc.

All obsessive symptoms are satiated temporarily by looking for an adequate coping mechanism. In absence of it, the obsessive thoughts can disrupt the ability to carry on with day to day life. Feeling of shame and loneliness is often associated with OCD. Suicidal thoughts are also very common in such cases. Instead of trying to cope with such disorder people, it’s important to seek medical help at the right time. With proper medical care and support from friends and family it can be controlled to an extent where a person can lead a normal healthy life.