aumhumLogo
Log in
backgroundImage

Obsessive-Compulsive Test (Y-BOCS)

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is designed to quantify the severity of OCD symptoms and monitor improvement or deterioration over time. This test involves a detailed interview, usually conducted by a mental health professional, focusing on the types and severity of obsessions and compulsions experienced by the individual.
Begin Test

You are not alone

Life can be challenging, and there are moments when it feels like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. But you don't have to face your struggles all by yourself. We are ready to provide the help and guidance you need to navigate through difficult times.
ImageForHeading
Talk to an expert Therapist
MentorPortraitImg
Somya Singh
6+ years of experience
Speaks: Hindi, English
MentorPortraitImg
Sheetal choudhary
Speaks: English, Hindi
MentorPortraitImg
Karuna Sehrawat
3+ years of experience
Speaks: Hindi, English
MentorPortraitImg
Akanksha Singh
3+ years of experience
Speaks: English, Hindi
MentorPortraitImg
Anshika
2+ years of experience
Speaks: English, Hindi
MentorPortraitImg
Tanya Kataria
2+ years of experience
Speaks: English, Hindi
CBTs for Ocd
Guided Meditations for Ocd
Articles and Readings for Ocd
articleFoundImg
Holiday Blues: How to Manage Mental Health During the Festive Season
Feeling festive, or just faking it? The holiday season isn’t all joy and cheer for everyone. If you’ve ever felt weighed down by sadness, loneliness, or stress during this time of year, you’re not alone. Discover the reasons behind the ‘holiday blues’ and what you can do this season for yourself.
articleFoundImg
Why Mental Health Should Be a Priority in 2025
We’ve spent years talking about mental health but still struggle to make it a part of our daily lives. Imagine moving beyond survival, beyond just getting through the day, to a place where you truly thrive—where joy, purpose, and connection are the norm, not the exception. In 2025, it’s time to stop suppressing, start flourishing, and redefine what it means to truly live well.
articleFoundImg
Experiencing Anxiety: What We’re Not Talking About
Anxiety often hides behind a smile, a calm demeanor, or a busy schedule. Beneath the surface, it can spiral into endless ‘what ifs,’ unspoken struggles, and a heavy toll on both mind and body. Why does anxiety feel so inescapable, and what aren’t we addressing when it comes to finding relief?
articleFoundImg
Triggered: How to know your emotional triggers better?
Triggered explores the impact of emotional triggers and how they affect our thoughts, actions, and relationships. Through an in-depth look at what it means to be “emotionally triggered,” it reveals how personal experiences, beliefs, and past traumas can lead to intense responses.
articleFoundImg
Dealing with Career Regret: How to Move Forward When You Feel Stuck
Career regret can leave us questioning past choices and feeling trapped in unfulfilling paths. How do we move forward when we feel like we’ve missed crucial opportunities or chosen the wrong direction? Discover the keys to understanding and transforming regret into growth, purpose, and renewed passion for the journey ahead.
articleFoundImg
The Pressure to Stay Positive: Toxic Positivity and Its Consequences
The pressure to stay positive can sometimes do more harm than good, leading to emotional exhaustion and inauthentic relationships. Discover the hidden impact of toxic positivity and why embracing both positive and negative emotions is essential for genuine well-being.
articleFoundImg
Burning the Midnight Oil? Here’s Why Your Brain and Health are Paying the Price
Sleep deprivation doesn’t just make you feel tired—it quietly sabotages your memory, decision-making, and long-term health. From increased risks of heart disease and diabetes to accelerated brain aging, the effects of lost sleep go deeper than you realize. Discover how small changes today can restore your cognitive edge and protect your future well-being.
articleFoundImg
A Thousand Cuts: Understanding the Mental Toll of Microaggressions
Microaggressions might seem like minor remarks or actions, but their hidden impact on mental health can be profound and lasting. Whether in a casual conversation, workplace interaction, or medical appointment, these subtle slights often go unnoticed by others while deeply affecting those who experience them. How do these seemingly insignificant moments shape our mental well-being, and what can we do to confront and address their effects? Explore the unseen forces shaping our emotional world.
articleFoundImg
Brains on Overdrive: Understanding the Hidden World of Adult ADHD
magine trying to concentrate in a meeting while your mind jumps from thought to thought like a web browser with too many tabs open. Or feeling overwhelmed by a simple to-do list because everything seems equally urgent. For many adults, this isn’t just a quirky trait—it’s ADHD, often misunderstood and overlooked. Discover the reality behind the myths and learn how adults are turning their ADHD challenges into unique strengths.
articleFoundImg
Why Success Often Leaves You Feeling Empty
Why do so many accomplished people feel empty after achieving their dreams? Is success really the solution to inner fulfillment, or does it merely mask deeper insecurities? Discover the hidden pitfalls of ambition and why true satisfaction may lie in an unexpected place.

FAQs

What does OCD stand for?

OCD stands for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. It's like having unwanted thoughts that bother you a lot (obsessions) and feeling the need to do something repeatedly to make those thoughts go away (compulsions). Imagine worrying about germs and feeling compelled to wash your hands over and over. It's a mental health condition where these thoughts and behaviours can interfere with daily life. People with OCD often struggle to control these patterns, affecting their well-being.

If you or someone you know is struggling, consider seeking professional help, like therapy, to find effective coping strategies.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is like having persistent unwanted thoughts (obsessions) that make you anxious. These thoughts lead to repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions) that you feel driven to do, aiming to reduce the anxiety. It's a bit like being stuck in a loop – you can't stop thinking about something distressing, and to cope, you perform certain actions repeatedly. These actions might not logically connect to the problem, but they temporarily ease the anxiety.

Imagine worrying your house is not secure, so you check the locks repeatedly. While everyone may experience occasional repetitive thoughts or behaviours, in OCD, they become intense and time-consuming, affecting daily life. It's important to know that OCD is a recognized mental health condition, and seeking help from professionals can provide effective strategies for managing and improving the quality of life.

If you or someone you know is struggling, consider seeking professional help, like therapy, to find effective coping strategies.

Yes, OCD thoughts are real, but it's important to understand that they don't necessarily reflect reality. In simple terms, these thoughts are like unwanted and distressing ideas that keep coming back, causing anxiety.

People with OCD often struggle to dismiss these thoughts easily, leading to repetitive behaviours or rituals to cope with the anxiety. It's important to recognize that while these thoughts may feel very real and overwhelming to the person experiencing them, they are a product of the condition and may not align with actual threats or dangers.

If you or someone you know is struggling, consider seeking professional help, like therapy, to find effective coping strategies.

Intelligence is not determined by having OCD. People with OCD can be just as intelligent as anyone else. For instance, some famous people, like soccer player David Beckham and actress Megan Fox, have opened up about their experiences with OCD.

It's essential to understand that intelligence and mental health conditions are separate, and having OCD doesn't make someone more or less intelligent. Everyone's unique, and intelligence comes in various forms, regardless of whether someone has OCD or not.

If you or someone you know is struggling, consider seeking professional help, like therapy, to find effective coping strategies.

No, OCD thoughts are not unreal, but they can be exaggerated and distressing. It's like having a worry that won't go away. For instance, someone might repeatedly think their hands are dirty even if they're clean. It's not that the dirt is real, but the anxiety about it is.

Another example is fearing harm to loved ones unless a specific ritual is performed, like checking the stove multiple times. The harm isn't real, but the fear causes real distress. So, while the thoughts might not match reality, the emotions they bring are genuine, making it challenging for someone with OCD to manage these distressing thoughts.

If you or someone you know is struggling, consider seeking professional help, like therapy, to find effective coping strategies.

Yes, OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) and depression can be related. Think of them as buddies who sometimes show up together. For example, imagine you're obsessed with germs (OCD) and constantly wash your hands. If you start feeling hopeless because this ritual takes over your life, that's where depression can join the party.

Another example is checking things repeatedly due to OCD, and if it makes you feel overwhelmed and sad, depression might tag along. It's like having two unwanted guests – OCD bringing worries, and depression bringing the blues. Understanding this connection helps doctors find the right strategies to tackle both issues.

If you or someone you know is struggling, consider seeking professional help, like therapy, to find effective coping strategies.

OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) and ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) are different conditions, but they can coexist. Think of them like different ingredients in a recipe, sometimes found together.

Imagine having ADHD is like having a busy brain, making it hard to focus. Now, add OCD, which is like having repetitive thoughts or behaviours. For example, someone with ADHD might struggle to concentrate on homework, and if they also have OCD, they could get stuck on checking if the door is locked over and over. It's like having two challenges that, while distinct, can show up in the same person, creating a unique mix of difficulties.

If you or someone you know is struggling, consider seeking professional help, like therapy, to find effective coping strategies.

OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) and schizophrenia are different mental health conditions, but they're not directly related. OCD involves persistent, unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviours, like checking things over and over.

On the other hand, schizophrenia is a more complex disorder, often involving distorted thoughts, hallucinations, and difficulty distinguishing reality. Imagine OCD is like worrying a lot about germs and washing hands, while schizophrenia might be hearing voices that others don't.

Though they're distinct, both conditions can coexist in some cases. It's like having two separate puzzles, but occasionally, a person might have pieces from both. If you or someone you know is struggling, consider seeking professional help, like therapy, to find effective coping strategies.

Yes, OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) and anxiety are related. For example, imagine you're afraid your house might catch fire (anxiety). Now, if you check the stove repeatedly to make sure it's off, even if you know it is, that's OCD. It's like the anxious thoughts making you do certain things to calm down. Both involve a lot of stress and unease. So, they're like cousins—different, but from the same family of feeling too worried or scared about things.

If you or someone you know is struggling, consider seeking professional help, like therapy, to find effective coping strategies.

Intelligence and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) aren't directly linked, but people with OCD can be smart, just like anyone else. Imagine a person who loves puzzles; they might be really good at solving them but struggle with obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviours.

Similarly, someone with OCD might be great at school or work but face challenges due to their condition. Intelligence is diverse, and having OCD doesn't change that. It's like being good at math but finding spelling tricky – different strengths and challenges coexist. So, yes, people with OCD can be smart in many ways, just like everyone else.

If you or someone you know is struggling, consider seeking professional help, like therapy, to find effective coping strategies.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) itself isn't physically dangerous, but it can significantly impact daily life. Imagine a stuck replay button in your mind, making you do certain things repeatedly.

For example, constantly washing hands can lead to skin issues. While not directly harmful, the compulsions can interfere with normal activities, causing distress. Think of it like having a mental hurdle – obsessing about safety might lead to avoiding normal situations. Seeking help, like talking to a therapist, is important. It's similar to having a guide to help you navigate and ease these mental challenges for a healthier, more balanced life.

OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) and autism are separate conditions, but they can sometimes coexist. Imagine them as different puzzle pieces that might fit together. For example, a person with autism might have specific routines or intense interests (like collecting rocks), which can seem like OCD behaviours. However, the reasons behind them differ. OCD is driven by anxiety, while in autism, it's about comfort and familiarity.

It's like having a favourite sweater – someone with autism might love wearing it for comfort, while someone with OCD might feel anxious if they don't wear it. So, they're not the same, but occasionally, they can overlap.

If you or someone you know is struggling, consider seeking professional help, like therapy, to find effective coping strategies.

OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) and OCPD (Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder) may sound similar, but they're different. OCD involves unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviours, like checking locks due to fear. Picture someone repeatedly washing hands, even if they're not dirty.

On the other hand, OCPD is about perfectionism and control. Imagine someone overly focused on order, making detailed plans, and insisting on their way. It's like wanting everything just right.

In a nutshell, OCD is about intrusive thoughts and rituals, while OCPD is more about personality traits like perfectionism and control. They're distinct, but both can impact daily life.

If you or someone you know is struggling, consider seeking professional help, like therapy, to find effective coping strategies.

OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) and bipolar disorder are distinct mental health conditions, but they can coexist in some individuals. Imagine OCD as a perfectionist roommate who wants everything neat, and bipolar disorder as a friend with extreme mood swings. While they have different concerns, like cleanliness and mood changes, they both lead to anxious thoughts.

For instance, someone with bipolar disorder might experience obsessive thoughts during a manic phase. It's like having the perfectionist roommate demanding order while the mood-swing friend throws a party. Understanding and treating both conditions individually is important for effective care.

If you or someone you know is struggling, consider seeking professional help, like therapy, to find effective coping strategies.

OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) and ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) are different but can share similarities. OCD involves persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) leading to repetitive behaviours (compulsions). Picture someone obsessing about germs, and then compulsively washing hands.

ADHD, on the other hand, involves difficulties with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Imagine someone struggling to focus on homework and impulsively interrupting conversations.

While they can coexist, they are distinct conditions. OCD revolves around anxiety and rituals, while ADHD is more about attention and impulse challenges. It's like having different puzzles – they may look similar in some pieces, but they create unique pictures.

If you or someone you know is struggling, consider seeking professional help, like therapy, to find effective coping strategies.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) are related in that they both involve persistent, distressing thoughts. Imagine OCD as repeatedly worrying about germs and washing hands excessively. Now, picture BDD as obsessing over perceived flaws in appearance, leading to repetitive behaviours like checking mirrors.

While different, they share a common theme of intrusive thoughts and compulsive actions. Think of OCD as a mind stuck on a worry loop, and BDD as a focus on imagined appearance flaws. Understanding these disorders helps highlight their connections, even though the specific concerns vary.

If you or someone you know is struggling, consider seeking professional help, like therapy, to find effective coping strategies.

OCD, or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, doesn't have a definite cure, but it can be effectively managed. Think of it like managing diabetes – you can control it, but it doesn't vanish. Treatment often involves therapy, like CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), where you learn to handle obsessive thoughts.

Medication can also help, like taking antibiotics for an infection. While some people may achieve significant improvement or even live symptom-free, it's more about learning to navigate and minimize the impact of OCD rather than a one-time fix. Imagine it like taming a wild river – you can build dams and channels, but the water never fully disappears. If you or someone you know is struggling, consider seeking professional help, like therapy, to find effective coping strategies.

No, OCD itself does not directly cause death. OCD, or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, is a mental health condition characterized by persistent and distressing thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions). While OCD itself is not fatal, the stress and anxiety it brings can impact overall well-being.

For example, someone with OCD might excessively wash their hands, leading to skin issues, but this wouldn't directly cause death. However, severe anxiety and related conditions might affect physical health over time. It's important to seek support and treatment to manage OCD and improve overall quality of life.

If you or someone you know is struggling, consider seeking professional help, like therapy, to find effective coping strategies.

No, OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) doesn't cause brain damage. It's more like having a stuck record in your mind, making you repeat certain thoughts or actions. The brain remains physically okay, but it functions differently.

However, if left untreated for a long time, OCD can affect your well-being. Imagine stress accumulating like clutter in a room; it can make it harder to focus and be happy. So, while OCD itself doesn't damage the brain, addressing it early is essential for mental health.

If you or someone you know is struggling, consider seeking professional help, like therapy, to find effective coping strategies.

OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) and schizophrenia are distinct mental health conditions, but having one doesn't necessarily lead to the other. OCD involves persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours (compulsions). Schizophrenia, on the other hand, is characterized by disruptions in thinking, emotions, and perceptions.

While they can coexist in some cases, having OCD doesn't directly cause schizophrenia. However, stress and anxiety from untreated OCD might impact mental health. Think of it like having a messy room (OCD) and a loud neighbour (schizophrenia); one doesn't create the other, but the stress from both can affect your well-being.

If you or someone you know is struggling, consider seeking professional help, like therapy, to find effective coping strategies.

OCD, or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, can be managed with medication, but it's not always a complete cure. Think of it like taking medicine for a headache – it helps alleviate symptoms but doesn't guarantee it won't return. Examples of medications include SSRIs Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. They're like mood boosters for the brain.

However, it's essential to pair medication with therapy for better results. Picture it as a two-pronged approach – medicine eases the symptoms, while therapy helps address the root causes and teaches coping strategies. Always consult a healthcare professional for the right treatment plan.

If you or someone you know is struggling, consider seeking professional help, like therapy, to find effective coping strategies.

While meditation can be helpful for managing symptoms, it's important to note that OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) is generally not "cured" by meditation alone. Think of OCD like a radio stuck on a worrisome station; meditation can help lower the volume, but it might not change the station entirely.

Meditation can provide a sense of calm and reduce anxiety, aiding individuals in handling OCD better. For example, focusing on the breath during meditation can help interrupt obsessive thoughts. However, it's important to combine meditation with professional treatment, like therapy or medication, for more comprehensive OCD management.

If you or someone you know is struggling, consider seeking professional help, like therapy, to find effective coping strategies.

Yes, OCD can be treated. Treatment often involves a combination of therapy, particularly a type called Cognitive behavioural Therapy (CBT), and sometimes medications. In therapy, individuals learn to understand and manage their obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours.

Medications, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can also help regulate brain chemicals related to OCD. It's like having a plan to untangle and control the repetitive thoughts and actions that bother a person. If you or someone you know is struggling, consider seeking professional help, like therapy, to find effective coping strategies.

Yes, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can be treated without medication. Therapy, particularly a type called Cognitive-behavioural Therapy (CBT), is often effective. CBT helps individuals recognize and change thought patterns and behaviours contributing to OCD.

While medication might be recommended in severe cases, many find relief through therapy alone. It's like teaching your brain new habits and ways of thinking, helping you manage and reduce the impact of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours.

If you or someone you know is struggling, consider seeking professional help, like therapy, to find effective coping strategies.

Yes, OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) can have a genetic component. This means that if someone in your family has OCD, there's a chance you might be more prone to it. It's like inheriting certain traits, but having a family history doesn't guarantee you'll definitely get OCD.

Environmental factors also play a role. Think of it like how having a family history of liking sports doesn't mean you'll automatically become a sports enthusiast – your surroundings and personal experiences matter too. So, while genes may contribute, it's a mix of both genes and life experiences that can influence the likelihood of developing OCD.

If you or someone you know is struggling, consider seeking professional help, like therapy, to find effective coping strategies.

OCD itself typically doesn't cause memory loss. However, the intense focus on repetitive thoughts and rituals in OCD can lead to cognitive fatigue and distraction, making it seem like memory issues are present. Individuals with OCD may find it challenging to concentrate on tasks unrelated to their obsessions or compulsions.

Additionally, the stress and anxiety associated with OCD can affect overall cognitive function. If someone experiences memory concerns along with OCD symptoms, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional to explore underlying factors and determine an appropriate course of action.

If you or someone you know is struggling, consider seeking professional help, like therapy, to find effective coping strategies.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is caused by a combination of genetic, neurological, behavioural, cognitive, and environmental factors. Think of it like a puzzle where your genes, brain chemistry, and life experiences all play a role.

If someone in your family has OCD, there's a higher chance you might develop it too. It's like inheriting a tendency. Changes in certain brain areas and how they communicate may also contribute. Life experiences, like trauma or stress, can trigger or worsen OCD. Picture it as different pieces coming together to create a condition where repetitive thoughts and behaviours become challenging to control.

If you or someone you know is struggling, consider seeking professional help, like therapy, to find effective coping strategies.

OCD, or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, often develops due to a mix of genetic, neurological, and environmental factors. Imagine your brain as a computer that sometimes gets a bit stuck on certain thoughts (obsessions) and tries to fix it with repetitive actions (compulsions).

Genetics may contribute, like inheriting a tendency for the brain to work this way. Additionally, changes in brain chemistry play a role. Stressful events or traumas can trigger OCD or make existing symptoms worse. It's like a glitch in the brain's programming that causes persistent worries and rituals. Understanding these factors helps in finding effective ways to manage and treat OCD.

If you or someone you know is struggling, consider seeking professional help, like therapy, to find effective coping strategies.

OCD, or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, affects the brain by creating patterns of unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours (compulsions). Imagine your brain getting stuck on certain worries like a broken record playing the same tune. The brain then compels you to perform rituals or actions to ease the anxiety.

This process involves areas like the prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia, which manage decision-making and motor functions. In people with OCD, these brain regions may show irregularities. Essentially, OCD alters the normal flow of thoughts and actions, creating a loop of persistent, distressing patterns that can impact daily life.

If you or someone you know is struggling, consider seeking professional help, like therapy, to find effective coping strategies.

OCD, or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, is diagnosed through talk therapy with a mental health professional, like a psychologist or psychiatrist. They ask questions about your thoughts and behaviours to understand if you experience persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive actions or mental rituals (compulsions). These behaviours can interfere with daily life.

The professional considers the frequency and impact of these thoughts and actions. While there isn't a specific test, the diagnosis is made based on a thorough assessment of your experiences. If you or someone you know is struggling, consider seeking professional help, like therapy, to find effective coping strategies.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can impact relationships by causing stress and challenges. Someone with OCD may have intrusive thoughts that lead to repetitive behaviours. This can make them preoccupied and anxious, affecting their ability to engage fully in a relationship.

The constant need for reassurance or specific rituals may strain the connection, making the partner feel overwhelmed. It's like having a constant, unwanted companion that distracts from the relationship. Understanding and support are important, but the condition's demands can sometimes be demanding for both partners, influencing the dynamics and emotional well-being of the relationship.

If you or someone you know is struggling, consider seeking professional help, like therapy, to find effective coping strategies.

OCD, or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, can impact your life by causing persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours (compulsions). It's like having a loop of worries that won't stop, leading to actions you feel compelled to do. This constant cycle can make daily activities challenging and time-consuming.

It's as if your mind gets stuck on certain thoughts, and you find yourself doing specific things repeatedly to ease the anxiety. OCD can interfere with relationships, work, and overall well-being, making it important to seek support and learn strategies to manage these intrusive thoughts and behaviours. If you or someone you know is struggling, consider seeking professional help, like therapy, to find effective coping strategies.

OCD, or obsessive-compulsive disorder, can impact students by causing persistent unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviours. Imagine having thoughts that won't go away, leading to rituals or routines to ease anxiety.

For students, this can be overwhelming, affecting focus on studies and daily activities. Tasks may take longer due to compulsions, and the fear of making a mistake can be paralyzing. It's like having a mental obstacle course that makes learning and completing assignments more challenging. Seeking support from teachers, friends, and professionals is important for students with OCD to manage these difficulties and maintain a healthy academic experience.

If you or someone you know is struggling, consider seeking professional help, like therapy, to find effective coping strategies.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) has been recognized for a long time, but it wasn't clearly understood until the 19th century. The term "obsession" was first used in the early 20th century, and "OCD" as a diagnosis was officially acknowledged in the mid-20th century. However, people with OCD-like symptoms were documented even earlier. Over time, as science and psychology advanced, our understanding of OCD improved. It's like discovering a puzzle piece by piece – researchers and doctors gradually pieced together the understanding of OCD, helping those affected by it get the support and treatment they need.

If you or someone you know is struggling, consider seeking professional help, like therapy, to find effective coping strategies.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) comes in various forms, each centering around unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions). Checking, washing, and counting are common types, where individuals feel compelled to perform certain rituals to ease anxiety.

Hoarding involves an intense need to accumulate items, while symmetry and ordering OCD revolves around arranging things in a specific way. The key is that these obsessions and compulsions can interfere with daily life. Understanding the different types helps tailor treatment approaches for individuals grappling with the challenges of OCD.

If you or someone you know is struggling, consider seeking professional help, like therapy, to find effective coping strategies.

Yes, OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) is recognized in the DSM-5, a manual used by doctors to identify mental health conditions. It's like a guidebook that helps professionals understand and diagnose different mental health issues. For OCD, it means having distressing thoughts (obsessions) and performing repetitive actions (compulsions) to ease anxiety. If you find yourself trapped in such a cycle, seeking help from a mental health professional is important. Just like going to a doctor for a physical ailment, they can provide support and guidance to manage and overcome OCD symptoms.

If you or someone you know is struggling, consider seeking professional help, like therapy, to find effective coping strategies.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) was discovered by French psychiatrist Pierre Janet in the late 19th century. He noticed certain people had persistent, unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviours. However, it was later, in the early 20th century, that Sigmund Freud and his student, Josef Breuer, expanded on these observations. They linked obsessive thoughts and compulsive actions to psychological factors. Over time, researchers and clinicians refined the understanding of OCD, recognizing it as a mental health condition. Today, while its exact cause is not pinpointed, therapy and medications are used to help manage and alleviate the symptoms of OCD.

If you or someone you know is struggling, consider seeking professional help, like therapy, to find effective coping strategies.