What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and how is it Treated?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder that causes a person to have uncontrollable thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions). These obsessions and compulsions can be very time-consuming and distressing and can interfere with daily life.
The two main symptoms of OCD are:
Obsessions are unwanted and intrusive thoughts, images or urges that trigger anxiety and distress. Common obsessions include:
Fear of germs or contamination (contamination OCD)
Fear of harming yourself or others (harm OCD)
Unwanted thoughts about violence, sex, or religion (intrusive thoughts)
Fear of losing things or making mistakes
Need for things to be in a specific order or symmetrical
2. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that a person feels driven to perform in order to try to reduce the anxiety caused by their obsessions. Common compulsions include:
Washing hands excessively (washing compulsion)
Checking things repeatedly, such as doors, locks, or the stove (checking compulsion)
Counting things repeatedly (counting compulsion)
Ordering or arranging things in a specific way (arranging compulsion)
Praying repeatedly (praying compulsion)
Saying a word or phrase silently (repeating compulsion)
It is important to note that not everyone with OCD will experience all of these symptoms. OCD can manifest itself in many different ways.
Common Myths About OCD:
Myth 1: OCD is just about being neat and clean.
Reality: Cleanliness can be a concern for some people with OCD, but it's just one manifestation. OCD can cause obsessions and compulsions around a wide range of things, like:
Fear of harm (to themselves or others)
Unwanted thoughts (violent, sexual, religious)
Symmetry and order
Counting or arranging things in a specific way
Hoarding
Myth 2: Everyone has a "little bit" of OCD.
Reality: It's normal to like things a certain way or have occasional intrusive thoughts. But OCD is different. The obsessions and compulsions are severe and significantly interfere with daily life.
Myth 3: People with OCD can just "snap out of it."
Reality: OCD is a mental health disorder, not a personal choice. It requires professional treatment, often in the form of therapy Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) Therapy or medication.
Myth 4: OCD is easily recognizable.
Reality: Not everyone with OCD has outward compulsions. They might experience intense internal struggles invisible to others.
Myth 5: OCD isn't treatable.
Reality: OCD is a highly treatable disorder. With proper therapy and medication, people with OCD can manage their symptoms and live fulfilling lives.
Treatment for OCD:
The most effective treatment for OCD is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) called exposure and response prevention (ERP).
ERP works by gradually exposing you to the things that trigger your obsessions and compulsions, and then helping you resist the urge to perform your compulsions. Over time, this can help you learn to tolerate anxiety without resorting to compulsions.
How ERP works:
Exposure: This involves gradually exposing yourself to the things that trigger your obsessions and compulsions. This can be done in real life, or in imagination.
Response prevention: This involves resisting the urge to perform your compulsions. This can be difficult, but it is important to do in order to break the cycle of OCD.
ERP is a very effective treatment for OCD, and it can help people to significantly reduce their symptoms. If you are struggling with OCD, it is important to seek professional help from a therapist who is trained in ERP.
In addition to ERP, there are other types of therapy that can be helpful for OCD, such as:
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT): ACT can help you to accept your thoughts and feelings, and to commit to living a meaningful life, even with OCD.
Mindfulness-based therapies: These therapies can help you to learn to focus on the present moment and to accept your thoughts and feelings without judgment.
If you are interested in learning more about therapy for OCD, you can talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. You can also find more information on the websites of the International OCD Foundation and the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.