Do you know someone who is constantly washing their hands? Or perhaps they check the locks on the doors multiple times? Maybe they have to count things like the cracks on the sidewalk, and if they mess up, they have to go back and start at the beginning. Do they hoard so much useless stuff that their house is actually not safe to live in? These are all forms of obsessive compulsive disorders (OCDs). Other forms of the disorder include a need for orderliness, performing disliked sexual acts, thoughts of violence perpetrated on their loved ones, and having thoughts that are against religious beliefs.

Approximately 2.2 American adults suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorders. Many of these adults suffer other disorders, such as eating disorders, hair pulling, Tourette’s, anxiety, or depression. Men and women suffer from OCD equally. The disorder usually begins somewhere between childhood and young adulthood. There is also research that indicates genetics may be involved.http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/anxiety-disorders/obsessive-compulsive-disorder.shtml

This article on How to Diagnose Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders will discuss the different types of OCD, possible causes, and how a diagnosis is made. For methods of treatment of this disorder please see How to Treat Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders. Also read How to Diagnose Anxiety Disorders and How to Treat Anxiety Disorders.

Impulses, images, or thoughts that keep coming back or continue on which cause the person anxiety are called obsessions. Even if the person knows they are irrational, they cannot ignore them. Compulsions, on the other hand, are rituals or behaviors that the person performs over and over again to try and relieve some of the anxiety that is caused by the obsession.http://www.medicinenet.com/obsessive_compulsive_disorder_ocd/article.htm

There are several types of OCD. People may suffer from one or more of these types.

1. Checkers: People who are checkers obsessively check locks, stoves and appliances to make sure they are locked or off. They have an irrational fear that if they don’t check these things that something horrible will happen and they would be to blame. Checking rituals are often so intense that they have trouble doing anything else.http://www.thehealthcenter.info/adult-ocd/types-of-obsessions-and-compulsions.htm
2. Washers and Cleaners: These are your germaphobes. They have an irrational fear of being contaminated and are afraid of germs, dirt, and viruses. Even though they constantly wash their hands or clean their clothes or house, sometimes several times a day, they never feel clean.http://www.thehealthcenter.info/adult-ocd/types-of-obsessions-and-compulsions.htm
3. Orderers: Everything has to be arranged correctly in its exact place before they can do anything else. If anything is out of order they become very upset.http://www.thehealthcenter.info/adult-ocd/types-of-obsessions-and-compulsions.htm
4. Obsessionals: These people have “unwanted, intrusive and horrific thoughts and images of causing harm to others.” To counteract these thoughts they often pray, count, or repeat certain words.http://www.thehealthcenter.info/adult-ocd/types-of-obsessions-and-compulsions.htm
5. Hoarders: Hoarders have a tendency to collect things that are often of no value. Their big problem is their brain does not let them distinguish what they need to keep and what they need to dispose of. This causes them to have living environments that are unsafe and unhealthy.http://www.thehealthcenter.info/adult-ocd/types-of-obsessions-and-compulsions.htm
6. There is also a personality disorder connected to obsessions and compulsions which is called Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD). It differs from OCD in that people with this disorder do not want to change anything and it does not hinder their life. They feel others are living the wrong kind of life and they are living the right life. They are very detailed, orderly, need things to be perfect, and do not participate in rituals. Their behaviors and emotions are very controlled and they often are thought of to be cold and aloof by others. Between 6% to 25% of people with OCD have OCPD.http://www.thehealthcenter.info/adult-ocd/types-of-obsessions-and-compulsions.htm

There is no one cause that has been identified as the cause for OCD. If an individual has a family history of OCD, there is a possibility that may contribute, but many people with OCD do not have relatives with the disorder. There is a possibility that a specific gene or chromosome may make certain individuals two times more likely to develop the disorder. It is also believed that serotonin may also play a part in its onset.http://www.medicinenet.com/obsessive_compulsive_disorder_ocd/page2.htm

Research is actively being done because this disorder costs approximately 6% of the mental health care budget each year. A lot of the research focuses on the amygdala because it processes incoming signals and gives them meaning. It is believed to be a trigger for fear and anxiety. The hippocampus is another area of the brain that is being studied as being implicated in anxiety disorders and memory. Some studies suggest that when a person experiences a severe trauma the hippocampus may actually shrink. This also happens in people with major depression and mood disorders. Research also suggests that the basal ganglia and striatum may be involved in OCD.http://counsellingresource.com/distress/anxiety-disorders/causes-anxiety.html

In twin studies that have been conducted results show that both the environment and genes may play a part in anxiety disorders. Trauma may trigger the disorder, but our genes may cause some people to be more susceptible or less susceptible to having the disorder. Hopefully as more studies are done treatment will improve for the millions of people with these disorders.http://counsellingresource.com/distress/anxiety-disorders/causes-anxiety.html

Testing

If your doctor believes you may have OCD, a series of physical and psychological tests will be done. It is important to rule out other causes. First he will give you a complete physical examination and laboratory tests to test your complete blood count, screen for alcohol and drugs, and make sure your thyroid is functioning correctly. Next, you will be given a psychological evaluation by a mental health provider where your thoughts, feelings and behaviors will be discussed. Any symptoms you are experiencing will also be discussed, how long you’ve had them, how severe they are, if they are interfering with your life, and if you have had any suicidal thoughts. Friends and family may also be asked questions.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/DS00189/DSECTION=tests-and-diagnosishttp://www.thehealthcenter.info/selftest.php?id=4

Diagnostic Criteria
The American Psychiatric Association has set out the criteria for OCD. The first three criteria you must meet in order to be diagnosed with OCD are: you must have obsessions and compulsions; you must realize they are excessive or unreasonable; and, they must significantly interfere with your daily living. There are specific criteria that must be met for obsessions, such as:

1. “Recurrent and persistent thoughts, impulses or images that are intrusive and cause distress. The thoughts aren't simply excessive worries about real problems in your life. You try to ignore or suppress these thoughts, images or impulses and know that these thoughts, images and impulses are a product of your own mind.”http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/DS00189/DSECTION=tests-and-diagnosis
2. There are also specific criteria the compulsions must meet, such as: repetitive behavior that you feel driven to perform, such as hand washing, or repetitive mental acts, such as counting silently. These behaviors or mental acts are meant to prevent or reduce distress about unrealistic obsessions.”http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/DS00189/DSECTION=tests-and-diagnosis

The content on this page is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Speak with a qualified heath care professional to ensure that you have the most accurate information regarding any mental health diagnosis.