Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

​

An obsession is an intrusive thought that we cannot stop, while a compulsion is a standardized and recurrent behavior that does not have a clear goal and most of the time remains against our will. It becomes a disorder when the symptoms interfere with the person’s relationships, academic or occupational functioning, and social life.

​

OCD is represented by a combination of symptoms including intrusive thoughts, rituals such as counting compulsively, obsessed with germs, rumination of preoccupations, and compulsions like washing hands non-stop.

​

Sometimes obsessiveness can appear as part of a personality style. This can be in the form of perfectionism, excessive devotion to work, rigidity or stubbornness. When this happens, we consider the possibility of Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder.

 

Without treatment these symptoms can become chronic and pervasive. There are different treatment options that can improve the prognosis and resolve the emotional distress that brings with it.

​