What are the symptoms of compulsive behavior?

Compulsions are repeated activities that you feel compelled to do because of OCD. These are intended to alleviate anxiety caused by your obsessions. Common compulsions include cleaning and washing, checking, counting, orderliness and arranging, and requiring assurance repeatedly.

Does the severity of the OCD condition change?

OCD usually develops in adolescence or early adulthood, but it can sometimes begin in childhood. Symptoms appear gradually and may worsen under stress. Obsessions and compulsions can vary in type and intensity over time. While OCD is typically lifelong, symptoms may range from mild to severe, sometimes becoming incapacitating.

What are the OCD risk factors?

OCD affects 2 to 3% of the population and can occur in adults, adolescents, and children. Risk factors include genetics—those with first-degree relatives who have OCD are more likely to develop the condition—and environmental influences, such as early psychological trauma. In rare cases, streptococcal infections may trigger OCD symptoms in children (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections).

When should you see a psychiatrist?

Perfectionism should not be confused with OCD. You should seek professional help from a psychiatrist or mental health expert if obsessions and compulsions are interfering with your overall wellbeing, daily activities, or quality of life.

What treatment options are available for OCD?

Treatment for OCD usually involves a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), particularly Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), is highly effective. Medications such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are also commonly prescribed to help reduce symptoms. In severe cases, advanced treatments like Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) may be considered.

Can OCD be prevented or managed long-term?

There is no guaranteed way to prevent OCD, but early intervention and treatment can greatly reduce its severity. With consistent therapy, medication, and stress management, many individuals can manage OCD symptoms effectively and lead fulfilling lives. Relapses may occur, but ongoing treatment and support significantly improve long-term outcomes.

How does OCD affect daily life?

OCD can significantly interfere with work, school, and relationships. Time-consuming rituals and anxiety may lead to delays, avoidance of responsibilities, or strained interactions with loved ones. With proper treatment, however, individuals can manage symptoms and maintain a productive daily life.

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OCD Treatment

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

What is Obsessive compulsive disorder?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by a pattern of repetitive and intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that cause you to engage in repetitive actions (compulsions). Obsessions and compulsions create severe anguish and lead to impaired routine tasks.

You cannot simply ignore or control your obsessions as they cause anxiety which compels you to engage in obsessive behaviours to relieve your tension. Despite attempts to ignore or eliminate troublesome thoughts or impulses, they persist. This feeds into the OCD's vicious circle of repetitive activity.

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What are the symptoms of obsessive behavior?

Obsessions with OCD are intrusive, recurring, and unwelcome thoughts, urges, or visions that create anxiety. This might be followed by attempts to ignore them or doing a compulsive activity or ritual to get rid of them. Obsessions may have specific cues or triggers.

Contamination or dirt

Not having closed doors ,locks or stove (pathological doubts)

Symmetry

Harm to self or others

Blurting something embarrassing or bad

Unwarranted thoughts around subjects such as violence, sex, or religion.

Understanding OCD

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition where individuals experience persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and feel compelled to perform repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) to reduce anxiety.

OCD can affect daily life, work, school, and relationships. Early recognition and treatment are essential. Dr. Tulika Shukla provides personalized, evidence-based care to help patients manage symptoms, regain control, and improve quality of life.

Common Issues We Address

Repeated hand washing, cleaning, or checking behaviors
Intrusive or disturbing thoughts that are difficult to ignore
Compulsions aimed at neutralizing anxiety or preventing harm
Excessive orderliness, symmetry, or perfectionism
Ritualistic routines that interfere with daily life
Avoidance of situations that trigger obsessions
Emotional distress, guilt, or frustration due to compulsions

Tips for People with OCD

Recognize and track triggers for obsessions and compulsions
Gradually face anxiety-inducing situations with guidance (ERP techniques)
Use mindfulness and relaxation techniques to manage stress
Set realistic goals and celebrate small progress

How to Support Someone with OCD

Provide understanding, patience, and consistent encouragement
Avoid enabling compulsive behaviors, while offering gentle guidance
Maintain structured routines and predictability to reduce stress
Collaborate with therapists to reinforce strategies at home
Monitor for signs of increased anxiety or frustration

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The Hidden Struggles of False Memory OCD

False Memory OCD. This peculiar form of OCD traps its sufferers in a web of doubt, uncertainty, and distress, as their minds generate vivid, yet entirely false, recollections.

What are the symptoms of compulsive behavior?
Compulsions are repeated activities that you feel compelled to do because of OCD. These are intended to alleviate anxiety caused by your obsessions.

Compulsions are generally around the folllowing:
- Cleaning and washing
- Checking
- Counting
- Orderliness and arranging
- Requiring assurance over and over
Does the severity of the OCD condition change?

OCD usually develops in adolescence or early adulthood, but it can sometimes begin in childhood as well. Symptoms typically appear gradually and progress in intensity over time. Obsessions and compulsions can vary over time, and so can the varieties of obsessions and compulsions you have. When you are under a lot of stress, your symptoms usually worsen. OCD, commonly seen as a lifelong condition, can manifest itself in mild to moderate symptoms or it can be so serious that it becomes incapacitating.
What are the OCD risk factors?
OCD has a prevalence of 2 to 3 %. It can affect people of all ages, including adults, adolescents, and children. Boys have a younger onset than girls and there is a slight higher preponderance in men. The causes of OCD are unknown, although there are some risk factors to consider:
- Genetics: According to several studies, those with first-degree family members with OCD (Like a parent or a sibling) are more likely to develop the disorder themselves.
- Environment: Some research has discovered a link between early psychological trauma and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. More research is warranted to understand this link. Moreover, kids can develop OCD or OCD symptoms after a streptococcal infection, known as Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections.
When Should You See a Psychiatrist?

We should not confuse a perfectionist with OCD—a perfectionist demands immaculate results or productivity or desires to keep things neat or organized in a particular way. However, consult your doctor or seek a mental health expert/psychiatrist’s help if your obsessions and compulsions are harming your general wellbeing.
What treatment options are available for OCD?

Treatment for OCD usually involves a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), particularly Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), is highly effective. Medications such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are also commonly prescribed to help reduce symptoms. In severe cases, advanced treatments like Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) may be considered.
How does OCD affect daily life?

OCD can significantly interfere with work, school, and relationships. Time-consuming rituals and anxiety may lead to delays, avoidance of responsibilities, or strained interactions with loved ones. With proper treatment, however, individuals can manage symptoms and maintain a productive daily life.