JEDDAH, 12 August 2007 -- Doctors say that there is a high rate of OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) in the Kingdom. In fact, many people suffer from OCD without even knowing it, while those that do know they are suffering from OCD feel ashamed and embarrassed to seek medical advice.

OCD, which is listed by the World Health Organization as one of the top 10 most disabling illnesses in terms of lost income and diminished quality of life, is a psychiatric disorder most commonly characterized by a person experiencing obsessive, distressing, intrusive thoughts and related compulsions.

"I live a hopeless and desperate life because everyday I see images of the punishment in the grave. These repetitive images are destroying my life," said Hoda Ali, an OCD sufferer. Symptoms typically include recurring obsessive thoughts and repetitive compulsions.

Ali lives in continuous fear. Her condition has had a negative effect on her prayers and in her performance of religious duties. "I've become exhausted and lost weight because of this," said Ali.

Amany Aladdin, a Saudi resident of Makkah, said that people find people with OCD funny.

"We keep laughing at people who have OCD. We were at a wedding when one of my friends suddenly jumped up. She was terrified because she thought she had left her electrical iron plugged in at home. She went home and came back after a while. She said it was okay. Later she telephoned her maid to make sure it wasn't plugged in. We found it funny, but it's pretty sad," said Aladdin.

Maged Bukhari's friend repeatedly washes his hands thinking they are unclean until they became wrinkled and chapped. "If he shakes someone's hands then he becomes anxious and ends up washing his hands several times. He repeatedly checks doors at home to ensure they're locked and he does the same with his car. He's obsessive and checks trivial things just to ensure they're done properly," said Bukhari.

Saud Al-Sherif, another Saudi resident in Makkah, said that people do not take OCD seriously. He added that OCD sufferers do not care about getting treatment. "We had a friend who would regret everything, even his steps when walking. He would waste time when washing for prayers. He would always be doubtful and would wash and rewash himself," said Al-Sharif.

A manager at a store in Makkah said that a shop attendant he employed suffered from OCD and would become agitated if someone sneezed or coughed in front of him. "He was in close contact with our customers and would shout and tell customers to go away if they coughed or sneezed close to him. He would then go to the wash room to clean up," said the manager.

"He would also complain that he had caught an infection or something and was worried all of the time. In the end we had to let him go," he added.

Dr. Ragab Bersaly, head of Taif's Mental Hospital, said, "OCD is an anxiety disorder and is characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts or repetitive behavior that patients can't get rid of. Some people keep repeating certain types of behavior, such as washing for prayer until the prayer time passes."

He added, "Others are obsessed with closing doors and windows. Sufferers may jump up terrified from their sleep to check whether the door is perfectly closed. They get obsessed that a thief might have entered and be hiding somewhere... They repeat actions several times to ensure that the door is closed properly. These people need help."

By Badea Abu Al-Naja

© Arab News 2007