• Fear of germs/contamination

• Constantly requiring reassurance

• Need for order, neatness, symmetry or perfection of objects.

• Bathing or washing your body/hands over and over.

• Re-doing things until it “just feels right”

• Doubts that you've locked the door, turned off the stove, turned off a light, etc.

• Unpleasant and unwanted violent/sexual thoughts

• Counting in certain patterns.

• Silently repeating a word or phrase.

• Arranging personal items in a very specific way. 

• Genetics. Studies show that OCD can run in families, and about 10%-20% of children who have a parent with OCD will also develop OCD.

• Brain changes. Research has shown that parts of the brain affected by OCD include the orbitofrontal cortex, the anterior cingulate cortex, the thalamus, and the basal ganglia. People with OCD tend to have overactivity in these parts of the brain.

• PANDAS is short for “pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections.” It describes conditions that affect children who have had strep infections, and OCD is one of these conditions, which develops very suddenly.

• Obsessions can create overwhelming worry, dread, and anxiety and can contribute to depression.

• Repeated compulsions may feel exhausting, leading to helplessness.

• People often know their thoughts or behaviours don’t make sense, but feel unable to control them and embarrassed about them

• Compulsions can take up hours of the day, leading to exhaustion and fatigue.

• Anxiety and repetitive actions can make it difficult to fall asleep.

• Repetitive actions can cause physical harm. For example, the immense rubbing from repeatedly washing one's hands can cause skin irritation.

• People may avoid friends, family, or social situations to hide their OCD, beginning to crave social isolation.

• Family or partners may struggle to understand their behaviours, which can lead to complicated relationships.

• OCD rituals can consume hours of the day and cause a loss of focus that affects productivity in school/work.

1. Avoid arguing over obsessions or compulsions. People who experience OCD are aware that their experiences don't make sense, and arguing will only make them more insecure.

2. OCD can be difficult to manage during stressful times, so recognize that a person may need extra support and patience.

3. Every small step towards managing OCD behaviour can be a difficult journey, so celebrate the victories, even if they are slight.

This disorder center serves anyone above 18.

The facility is located in Toronto, Ontario, and is home to many types of treatment, including:

• Any form of trauma

• Musculoskeletal care

• Rehabilitation for patients with complex medical conditions

• Cancer care

• Cardiac and stroke care