Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders: Key Points

Obsessive-compulsive disorders can significantly impair everyday life. They manifest through obsessive thoughts and compulsions that must be constantly repeated. Approximately 2-3% of the population suffer from them. Symptoms range from excessive handwashing to constant checking. Compulsions serve to prevent unlikely events. Only an expert can make a diagnosis.

Obsessive-compulsive disorders, also known as OCD, affect about 2-3% of the population according to the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry. Symptoms range from excessive hand washing to constant checking, such as counting to 20 before starting a car. Compulsive actions are aimed at preventing unlikely events but only provide short-term relief. A high level of distress indicates an obsessive-compulsive disorder, but only an expert can make a diagnosis. The article presents 10 self-assessment qu..