Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment
OCD, or obsessive-compulsive disorder, is a psychiatric disorder in which persons experience a need to maintain a certain structure, which usually includes repeated patterns and behaviors, some of which are obsessions and compulsions.
What is OCD?
OCD, or obsessive compulsive disorder, is a mental health disorder that is noted for repetitive behaviors, intrusive thoughts, and "compulsions". A person with OCD may experience many different types of repetitive behaviors and thoughts, which usually stem from a specific thing, like being clean. If you have heard the common stereotype or you have watched the TV show "Monk", you know that one of the most common types of OCD is a type in which people are obsessed with staying clean and maintaining hygiene. However, there are many other different types of OCD that are vastly different from this.
Different Common Types of OCD
I have mentioned the cleaning obsessive people, but there are many other types of OCD. Some types of OCD are even so personalized that it is something that particular individual has created out of a response to stress or a traumatic event. The following are some general descriptions of different types of obsessions or compulsions people may have with OCD:
-obsession with germs and cleanliness, feeling the need to always wash hands multiple times to stay clean, going out of their way to avoid germs or situations that make them uncomfortable.
-obsession with organization and maintaining order, these people feel that it may be the only thing they can control in their lives, so they take on a very structured, organized, and cautious life by doing everything their way. If something is out of order, like a book on the wrong shelf, it may cause a distressed reaction to the person.
-"Checking"- some people with OCD need to check things like stoves, doors, or windows multiple times throughtout the day to ensure that they are locked or turned off. This response may also have specific compulsions that relate to counting a certain number of times. The repetition of this behavior gives the person a sense of safety and security that they don't feel about the world. Again, counting and more than triple checking doors and windows is a way for the person to maintain some kind of control in their lives. They may feel out of control because of a traumatic even that happened when they were young, or it may be an anxiety that has always been present for the person.
-other obsessive compulsive disorders may include people who become obsessed with celebrities and other people ("stalkers"), people obsessed with certain things that are dangerous or risky for their health, and many other personal situations.
As stated previously, the three main types of OCD are the most common, but there can be others and even a combination of many different symptoms creating difficulties for the person.
Diagnosis
In order to be diagnosed with OCD, a person must display the following traits:
1. They must have some kind of obsession, compulsion, or a combination of the two.
2. It MUST impact many areas of their life, causing extreme distress at home, in the workplace, school, and/or in public
Like most mental health disorders, OCD is only seen as a disorder when it is impacting a person's ability to function normally in society.
Maintaining Order
Some of the most common forms of OCD concern the idea of maintaining order and control, something that persons with OCD often feel like they don't have because of their fears or anxieties.
Signs of OCD
The signs of OCD are very simple, but may be hard to identify from just observing a person, as many of the struggles that persons with OCD go through happen in their minds, with intrusive thoughts and obsessions. Generally speaking though, OCD is identified if I person is showing signs of distress related to something they are obsessed with or feel a compulsion to do. Now, let's be clear, this doesn't mean that, for instance, a person with ADHD is also OCD because they have the compulsion to fidget and can't stop themselves. Compulsions in OCD mean that the person is engaging in this act to relieve some kind of stress or anxiety, but they are often unacceptable behaviors, and persons suffering from the disorder often struggle with stopping themselves from repeating the behavior.
Treatments
Treatment for OCD involves a combination of medication and therapy as well as encouraging lifestyle changes. The main type of medication used to treat OCD are antidepressants. While antidepressants work to help with long term symptoms and effects of the disorder, persons with OCD are also encouraged to seek therapy and use that to help them manage the day to day symptoms.
There are two different types of therapy that work well with OCD: CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and ERT (Exposure Response Therapy). CBT, or cognitive behavioral therapy, is a common psychotherapy practice that's purpose is to "retrain your brain". A therapist will help you turn negative thinking around and see more of the positive aspects of your life. Once a patient can start allowing themselves to use this therapy in their everyday lives, the easier it becomes to manage some of the anxieties related with OCD. The other type of therapy, Exposure and Response therapy, is a little bit bolder. This type of treatment forces patients to tackle their issues head-on by slowly exposing themselves to the things they fear or that make them uncomfortable. What this might look like for someone with OCD is a little like this:
Amanda has OCD and always has to have everything clean and unbothered. Germs concern her and she is worried about getting very sick and dying. Her therapist has recommended Amanda go out to eat in a restaurant as the first step. The purpose here would be to have Amanda let go of the details (there's a smudge on my glass, my napkin is folded wrong, etc). She must accept that nothing will ever be to her standards, and that in life, we must adjust based on our environment and surroundings.
As you can see from this example, exposure therapy allows the person with OCD to really think about and observe how their behavior is impacting their everyday life. This can help them to learn how to prioritize what is really important with what is likely a symptom of anxiety or fear due to their OCD.
Lastly, persons with OCD are encouraged to maintain a healthy lifestyle and be more active. Being involved in exercises and physical activities has been shown to help naturally reduce anxiety, better preparing them for the stresses that they may encounter throughout the day.
The Cycle of OCD
Conclusion
OCD is a complex psychiatric disorder that requires many different types of treatments in order to be effective; medication alone cannot cure OCD, and therapy alone cannot cure OCD. The combination of medication and therapy is what makes these treatments work. Especially when dealing with psychiatric conditions related to patterns of behavior, CBT offers some of the best benefits because it helps to lessen those unwanted behaviors over time and create new thinking patterns or behaviors that are less or not harmful to the individual.
Being that everyone's experience with OCD is different, personal and individual care and treatment is a necessity. No two people are alike, and as such, no two patients are alike. If you or someone you know is struggling with OCD, consider seeking the advice of a professional, they may be able to help you in more ways than you think!
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.
© 2024 Anne Marie Carr
