The result of repeated repetition of emotions and behaviors

Anxiety is a healthy feeling as long as it is kept to a certain level. A certain amount of anxiety and even paranoia keeps us alert to dangers, saves us from complacency and makes us think about the consequences of our actions. An anxiety disorder, however, is a debilitating condition that can consume a person, making them unable to carry on with their daily life in a healthy way. Obsessive-compulsive disorder, a type of anxiety disorder of neurological origin, is defined as obsessive thoughts that affect and restrict daily life.

OCD is a psychological disorder that manifests itself in the repetition of certain thoughts, feelings and behaviors over and over again. People with OCD often perform even mundane tasks, such as turning a lamp on and off, knocking on a door or checking that the stove is off, several times, and cannot start the next task until it is completed. Anyone who has seen the hit sitcom Big Bang Theory will remember Sheldon Cooper knocking on the door three times each time.

OCD, like generalized anxiety disorder, is characterized by constant worrying. However, not everyone with an anxiety disorder may express their pessimistic thoughts in ritualistic and repetitive behaviors like an OCD sufferer. Also, whereas the anxieties of people with anxiety disorders are usually life-related, based on work, family, etc., the person with OCD is plagued by apocalyptic omens. For example, they may believe that washing their hands frequently and for a long time protects them from a completely unrelated evil.

Here are the 6 phenomena that OCD sufferers worry about the most:

Contamination: The person with OCD may develop an unusual defense against germs, bodily fluids and environmental contaminants because they are paranoid that they will make them sick.

Loss of control: The person with OCD wants to be awake, sober and in control at all times. In this way, he or she believes that he or she can protect himself or herself and those around him or her from possible harm.

Sexual urges: The person with OCD may experience forbidden or unusual sexual urges and thoughts.

Religious obsessions: A person with OCD may obsess about the distinction between good and bad, halal and forbidden.

Environmental damage: The OCD sufferer fears that something bad will happen, such as a fire or theft, but also fears being responsible for it. This is a fear that explains behaviors such as repeatedly checking that the oven is off or that the door is locked.

Perfectionism: Most OCD sufferers are obsessed with getting everything just right. This perfectionism can also surface as a fear of losing something of their own, of something being missing.

A common misconception about OCD is that it is caused by something the person has done. In fact, no evidence has yet emerged that stress, childhood illnesses, parental behavior and family problems cause OCD. However, in people who are genetically predisposed to OCD, there is a possibility that stress or trauma can trigger the disorder. Although stress is not a factor in itself, it acts as a kind of spark in the exacerbation of the disease.

Since obsessive-compulsive disorder is a problem that can be solved with cognitive behavioral therapy, it is recommended that people with such a disorder consult a psychologist. However, since each psychologist's method may be different, it may be necessary to specifically question cognitive behavioral therapy.