consider irrational and very distressing even though they cannot seem to control the thoughts.
These thoughts create intense discomfort, often experienced as fear, guilt, disgust, or dread.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is considered an anxiety disorder because the obsessional
thoughts produce anxiety and the compulsive behavior is intended to reduce the anxiety.
Obsessive thinking and compulsive behavior are often experienced by people who have
phobias, which is an anxiety disorder also.
Obsessive thoughts are not the same as being preoccupied. Obsessive thoughts are tormenting
and produce distress. The most common obsessional thoughts are of dirt and contamination,
aggression, doubt, and images of violence. People who have obsessional thoughts seem to
worry most about harming others. For example, a man might have the image come into his
mind that he might take his hunting rifle and kill his family. Mothers quite often are bothered by
obsessional images of harming their children. Other people will be obsessed with the idea they
have struck someone with their car. Sometimes people will become obsessed with the idea
they are going to shout out obscenities or otherwise offend other people.
Often people with obsessional thoughts feel compelled to perform some ritual or routine in an
effort to reduce the discomfort caused by the obsession. They usually recognize the
senselessness of the actions and try to resist the compulsion. They do not derive pleasure from
carrying out the activity, although it provides a sense of relief. Not all people who have
obsessive thoughts have compulsive behavior, but the two usually go together.
The most common compulsive rituals involve cleaning (for example, hand washing) and
checking, although there are many other rituals such as obsessively repeating things and
excessive orderliness (such as having to have things arranged perfectly, or being unable to
change a routine). Compulsive cleaners are mainly trying to avoid contact with danger,
discomfort, or fear, whereas compulsive checkers often appear to be taking steps to avoid
future problems, often criticism or guilt.
People who have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder are not mentally ill or crazy, although many
of them refer to their behavior as crazy. The difference between those with Obsessive
Compulsive Disorder and those with serious mental disturbances is in their beliefs about the
origin of the obsessive thoughts and the rationality of the thoughts and behavior. Those with
serious disturbance often believe their thoughts are controlled by people or forces outside of
themselves and that the thoughts are rational. They usually do not try to resist these thoughts.
Those with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder understand that the obsessive thoughts are their
own and are irrational. They are usually trying very hard to stop the obsessive thoughts and/or
compulsive behaviors.
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