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Definition
Hallmarks of OCD:
- Obsessions
- Compulsions
- Executive Dysfunction
- Anxiety
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a neurological
disorder that is characterized by recurrent involuntary obsessions
(obsessive thoughts) and compulsions (involuntary actions). It is
part of a spectrum of neurobiological anxiety disorders as well
as one of a number of regulatory disorders. OCD involves the deregulation
of thoughts and actions.
Obsessions consume time, provoke anxiety, and
interfere with family, school, and life functioning. They are ideas
or feelings that enter the child’s mind and at times are unreasonable,
illogical, and experienced as real. Obsessions
are intrusive, repetitive, unwanted thoughts, and can provoke profound
anxiety.
Compulsions are repetitive, ritualistic behaviors
and are frequently associated with an obsession. They frequently
appear meaningless and illogical, but a person is driven to do these
compulsive behaviors to ease anxiety. Hand washing, which is often
considered the most well-known compulsion, may not be present in
many OCD individuals. Some OCD individuals do not have both obsessions
and compulsions.
The OCD Spectrum Disorder
Other Co-occurring Disorders:
- Chronic Tic Disorders (Motor and Vocal)
- Mood Disorders
- Eating Disorders
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Asperger’s syndrome
- Pervasive Developmental Disorder
- Autism
- Executive Dysfunction
- Learning Disabilities
- Sleep Disorders
- Visual-Motor Disability
- Graphomotor Disability
- Migraines
- Sensory Integration Dysfunction (e.g., tactile defensiveness)
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Oppositional Defiant Disorder (May hide other undiagnosed
neurological disorders)
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The following manifestations are sometimes defined as occurring
within the OCD spectrum:
- Tourette syndrome (TS)
People are unable to control their muscle movements or
vocal utterances. (See
Tourette Syndrome.)
- Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)
People are obsessed with the belief that their body is
unattractive and must be repaired, if possible.
- Trichotillomania
People continually pull their hair out, most commonly
the hair on their scalp, leaving noticeable patches of hair loss.
This is often described in a similar manner to compulsions.
Associated Disorders
Having more than one anxiety disorder is very common and the following
are associated disorders:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
A constant state of worry and anxiety for more than six
months without a primary stressor.
- Panic Disorder
Periodic attacks of anxiety or terror (panic attacks
can occur in other anxiety disorders) with increased concern for
a reoccurrence.
- Phobias
Overwhelming and irrational fears, e.g., thunder, snakes,
bees, dark.
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
An extreme and unusually chronic emotional reaction to
a traumatic event that impairs one’s functional ability.
- Separation Anxiety Disorder
An inability to leave a family member without anxiety
in order to accomplish normal functioning, e.g., school attendance.
This usually occurs in children.
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Disabilities 
