TMS FOR OCD

Signs and symptoms of OCD can be categorized into two areas: obsession symptoms and compulsion symptoms.

Obsessions are persistent, unwanted, intrusive urges, thoughts, or images that cause severe distress. The Mayo Clinic describes obsession symptoms as theme-based, such as:

·  Having an excessive need for order or symmetry

·  Fearing dirt or other contaminants

·  Experiencing distressing thoughts about losing control or causing harm

·  Having unwanted aggressive or sexual thoughts

These symptoms may manifest in obsessive behaviors like:

·  Avoiding touching particular objects to avoid contamination

·  Severe stress when things are out of order in some way

·  Unpleasant sexual or aggressive images

·  Persistent doubts that you locked the car door or turned off the oven

Compulsions are repetitive behaviors, typically in the form of rules or rituals, that a person feels driven to perform to prevent something terrible from occurring or to reduce anxiety related to an obsession. The compulsions don't bring relief from stress and are not realistic solutions to the source of anxiety.

Like obsessions, compulsions commonly have themes too:

·  Counting, checking, and maintaining orderliness

·  Following strict routines

·  Constant cleaning and washing



Signs and symptoms of these compulsions could include:

·  Checking doors over and over to ensure they're locked

·  Counting things in particular patterns

·  Arranging households items to face the same way

·  Washing your hands until they're cracked and raw

People with OCD often find it challenging to perform their daily tasks, maintain healthy relationships, or succeed in their careers due to the severity of these obsessions and compulsions.