Indian Medical Association

Obsessively yours: Signs That You May Have OCD New Delhi, July 26, 2016: Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is a disabling and potentially chronic anxiety disorder and is characterized by anxiety–provoking intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors, said Padma Shri Awardee Dr KK Aggarwal – President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Honorary Secretary General IMA. Obsessions may consist of aggressive thoughts and impulses, fears of contamination by germs or dirt, or fears of harm befalling someone. Compulsions such as washing, checking, or counting are rituals whose purpose is to neutralize or reverse the fears. OCD occurs in 2 to 3 percent of the population. People with OCD have uncontrolled thoughts that compel them to develop habits or rituals to ease their anxiousness. The Anxiety Disorders Association of America offers this list of potential warning signs of OCD: • Persistent irrational fears or concerns, commonly about being dirty or getting sick. • Obsessing about things being in order or arranged a certain way. • Being afraid that your thoughts or actions will cause harm to you or someone else. • Hoarding objects with no value. • Irrational doubts or fears that you will harm someone else. • Impulsively and repeatedly cleaning your body or your home. • Repeatedly checking something, such as if the doors are locked, appliances are unplugged or the stove is turned off. • Habits such as repeatedly saying a word or a name, or walking in the same place or in the same way. • Constantly re–living conversations, repeating words or counting.