Obsessions, Compulsions & Disorders

Despite the normal person’s lack of understanding or reason of what sufferers of obsessive compulsive behavior are experiencing, these experiences should not be regarded as merely exaggerated fears about things that happen in everyday life. Some doctors might suggest that the root of the obsessive or compulsive behavior is triggered by relationships, careers, financial or academic concerns. It is uncertain and there is lack of sufficient documentation as to how these factors affect the behavior of obsessive compulsive sufferers.

There are particular behavorial signs that characterize Obsessive Compulsive Sufferers. What is also certain is that the sufferer’s distress arises mainly because he/she realizes that the obsessions (which characterize the behavior of obsessive compulsive sufferers) are irrational, excessive, and inappropriate. The compulsions, which characterize the behavior of obsessive compulsive sufferers, may be subtle but eventually quite evident. The most common include hand washing, mental (e.g., repeated “good” thoughts to cancel out the bad), and can also take the form of avoidant behavior (e.g., not touching things used by other people).

The top five common obsessions observed in clinical setting by Obsessive Compulsive sufferers include:

1. An exaggerated fear of being contaminated from contact with everyday items or people.
2. A nagging doubt that a home or car door or window was left unlocked.
3. An excessive concern that a stove or similar household appliance was left on.
4. An overwhelming urge to arrange objects in a certain order.
5. A fear of committing some act that may be a violent, immoral, sexually inappropriate, and/or sacrilegious.

Similarly, the top five compulsions or behaviors experienced by those who are known to be Obsessive Compulsive can be found below. Note that some of these behaviors may be related with the obsessions listed above.

1. Repeated and excessive hand washing, showering, use of antibacterial cleaners or disinfectants to avoid contamination. Avoiding contact with almost everything that may be contaminated (e.g., money, doorknobs, etc.).
2. Frequent checking of locks, switches, etc.
3. Unnecessary fixing of a desk, bookshelf, cabinet, closet, or repeated straightening of rugs or window blinds.
4. Hoarding sundry things, which most people consider garbage (e.g., receipts, old newspapers, useless/worn clothes, etc.
5. Constant seeking of assurance from other people that the sufferer hasn’t committed something unacceptable or immoral.

The end result of the behavior of obsessive compulsive sufferers can leave them considerable embarrassment and shame. This is the reason why sufferers often try to hide his/her behavior. This concealment as well as the repetitive behaviors, are time consuming, taking up several hours out of the sufferer’s day. When the compulsions take on a phobic quality, they can even prevent the person from performing regular, everyday activities. This, coupled with emotional distress the sufferer feels, often interferes with the person’s school, career, and relationships.