What Are the Hazards of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

After developing obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), depressive symptoms may gradually emerge as the illness progresses. These symptoms include difficulty interacting normally with others, irritability, and outbursts of anger; in severe cases, patients may even exhibit self-harming behaviors—serious psychiatric manifestations. Concurrently, OCD can lead to intrusive, obsessive thoughts. Although patients may not act on these thoughts, they may persistently mentally rehearse ideas involving threats to others’ safety, thereby posing a potential risk.