What is OCD? Does it often happen to you? When you leave your house to go out, you ask yourself, “Did I lock the door?” When you go home and check, you find that the door is actually locked. You can even imagine having to make yourself check to make sure the door is locked when you know it’s locked …… just to make sure. People with OCD often go about their day just as described above, filled with anxiety and worry about seemingly insignificant things. OCD manifests itself in compulsive behaviors and obsessive thoughts on the one hand, and in the desire to escape the pain of this compulsion on the other; this is known as compulsion or obsessive behavior. Compulsive behavior is when a person forces himself or herself to do something to relieve anxiety about a compulsive idea. For example, a person with OCD’s fear of contaminants manifests itself in repeated hand washing. Some people show it by repeatedly checking and rechecking, such as checking to make sure the door is locked. A subset of people are extreme in their belief that what they are doing must be absolutely correct. People with OCD often recognize and understand that their behavior is unusual and irrational, but their compulsive behavior provides temporary relief from their anxiety. Facts about OCD Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is a medical condition. One in every 40 people has OCD. Men and women are equally likely to have OCD. OCD symptoms will persist if left untreated. People often develop OCD in adolescence or early adulthood. Why does OCD occur? Although the exact cause of OCD is unknown, current research suggests that the cause of OCD may be due to a lack of a chemical in the brain called pentraxin. Pentoxifylline is a chemical messenger that transmits signals between brain cells. A lack of pentraxin may cause problems when we process information. Changing the concentration of pentraxin in the brain through medication has been shown to help with OCD. Genetic factors are also a determining factor in whether a person will develop OCD. How can I tell if I have OCD? Here are a few questions to help you determine if you have OCD If you notice these symptoms in your daily life and they interfere with your daily activities, talk to your doctor. Only your doctor can make a diagnosis of OCD. If you have OCD. What to do? In recent years, a large number of treatments have been developed to improve the lives of people with OCD. While only a small percentage of people with OCD make a full recovery, there are indeed many effective treatments that can substantially reduce the symptoms of OCD and improve the quality of life for those who suffer from it. If you suffer from OCD, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. Your doctor will give you a detailed physical exam to rule out other disorders, and it is important to tell your doctor about any other medications you are currently taking, as they may have an impact on your treatment.