It is a type of neurotic illness in which the patient gets repeated unwanted thoughts inspite of the fact that he knows that those thoughts are senseless and tries to resist those. They are often accompanied by compulsive actions. For example getting repeated thoughts that ones body are contaminated and as a result repeatedly washing.
Often patient with OCD takes long to get things done. There could be several reasons. Often it is because of the doubts whether a task has been completed well. Patient does not satisfy and starts the task all over again. Obsessional slowness is a recognized symptom of OCD. Strong wish to complete a task in certain rigid sequence often delays the completion. Treatment of OCD can help dealing with this symptom. Patients are aware of their slowness and they often adjust their life accordingly e.g. they start their day much earlier than others. OCD respond to treatment with medicines and behavioural therapy. There is research evidence that some of the antidepressants are good anti- obsessionals. Selective Serotonin Reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) and clomipramine are good anti-obsessional medications.
