Four Common Types of Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
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Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) features a pattern of unreasonable thoughts and fears (obsessions) that lead you to do repetitive behaviors (compulsions). These obsessions and compulsions interfere with daily activities and reason significant distress.
This is the type obsessed with orders, patterns, and symmetry. He makes sure everything’s lined up, neatly arranged—by color, number or season, all in order to satisfy his fixation for structure. He may exhibit behaviors such as making sure canned items are all facing the same way, or that clothes are hanged perfectly, and that all books are lined according to spine, etc.
He always feels the urge to check things for fear of danger or mistake. He does this multiple times, to the point that he turns up late for appointments. These habits may contain checking locks for fear of robbery, ensuring the appliances are unplugged for fear of fire, checking his wallet or bag from time to time to make sure nothing is missing, or rereading letters to ensure he hasn’t missed or written something wrong, and many other like behaviors.
The person fears contamination so much that he’ll wash repetitively until he ‘feels’ (not see) that he’s clean enough. He’s afraid of filth, soiled socks, sick people, street food, dirty places—basically, anything he suspects can make him unwell. He also invests in loads of cleaning products and hygiene, particularly disinfectants, to always keep his hands clean.
He is hesitant to throw things away and would compulsively keep them even if they’re totally worn out or no longer of use to him. You may find newspapers, paper and plastic bags, clothing, photographs, food, household items, and many others in his collection. In some cases, the person may also feel it essential to collect free items or always grab at a bargain opportunity.
Causes
The cause of the obsessive-compulsive disorder isn’t fully understood. Main theories include:
- Biology- OCD may be a result of changes in your body’s own usual chemistry or brain functions.
- Genetics- OCD may have a genetic component, but specific genes have yet to be identified.
- Environment- Some environmental factors such as infections are suggested as a trigger for OCD, but more research is required.
