Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

 Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is a disorder characterized by obsessions and/or compulsions.  Obsessions are irrational, intrusive thoughts that occur over and over and typically are quite distressing.  Compulsions are behaviors meant to "undo" the distress caused by the obsessions or behaviors that one feels they "have" to do or it doesn't feel right.  It can be quite difficult for some with OCD to resist the compulsions, especially when they don't understand the disorder.  Often, children and adolescents don't disclose many of these symptoms to family or friends as they recognize that they are unusual.  Often times they feel alone and isolated with their disorder that can cause great suffering.  OCD can be worsened by stress or change and can at times quickly escalate and cause severe impairment in daily functioning.   With the right treatment, people can finally find relief and take back control of their lives.  One of the happiest moments for me is when patients come back and say they forgot to even think about their OCD symptoms this week.