OCD: Signs and Symptoms
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic mental health condition
A person with OCD performs the same rituals over and over and may feel unable to control these impulses
These repetitive behaviors are performed to reduce distress and anxiety
Symptoms/traits:
Common obsessive symptoms:
Fear of getting germs: Fear of touching things that others have touched, fear of shaking hands, etc
A strong need for order: feelings of extreme anxiety when things are out of order or asymmetrical or when objects are moved by someone else
Taboo thoughts: involves troubling thoughts about topics such as sex or religion
Aggressive thoughts: involves fear of harming others or self, may manifest into compulsive behaviors such as being obsessed with news reports about violence
Common Compulsive symptoms of OCD:
Excessive hand washing or cleaning: may include repetitive showers or baths each day
Excessive organizing: putting things in exact order or having a need to arrange things in a precise manner
Ritualistic counting: numbers on clock, number of steps taken, etc
Repetitively checking on things: include checking doors and windows to ensure they’re locked, checking stove to make sure its off
Most people, even without OCD, have these habits but with OCD there are symptoms that go along with the compulsions:
Inability to control the behaviors, even when a person can identify the thoughts or behaviors as not true or irrational
Spending at least an hour each day on these obsessive thoughts or behaviors
Engaging in behavior that results in distress, anxiety, or impacts normal functioning such as work or social connections
Experiencing negative impact in everyday life as a result of the ritualistic behaviors and obsessive thoughts
Causes:
Exact cause of OCD is unknown
New research is uncovering some evidence as to why it occurs
2019 study revealed that:
MRI brain scans revealed structural and functional differences in nerve circuits in the brains of those with OCD
Brains with those of OCD were unable to use normal stop signs to quit performing the behaviors, even when the person knew they should stop
Error processing and inhibitory control are important processes and are altered in brain scans of those with OCD
Treatment:
Early identification and prompt treatment of OCD is important
Treatment is more effective when the disorder is diagnosed early
Symptoms of OCD go unrecognized because of the wide range of diverse symptoms
Cognitive therapy:
Exposure and response prevention: type of cognitive therapy used to treat OCD
Aims to break the cycle of obsessions and compulsions
Cognitive behavioral therapy: type of therapy that offers elements of ERT but focuses on cognitive distortions and other problematic behaviors part of OCD
Medication:
SSRIs are preferred initially for OCD
People with OCD need higher doses of SSRIS
Coping:
Get facts about OCD: important to know about the condition and its symptoms
Learn to cope with stress: stress and OCD go together, effective coping mechanisms from stress can help in managing OCD
Enough sleep, eating well, exercise, meditation, etc
Manage your anxiety: OCD and worry go together, so managing anxiety can help OCD
Analyzing the probability of what you’re worried about actually happening and deciding how to cope with the worst-case scenario
Practice relaxation techniques: stress and worry are major triggers of OCD symptoms, relaxation techniques such as:
Deep breathing, mindfulness meditation, progressive muscle relaxation
Physical Activity: physical anxiety reduces cholesterol levels and lowers risk of heart disease and diabetes, so it can help reduce frequency of OCD symptoms