Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Treatment
OCD Causes & symptoms
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by repetitive distorted thoughts or urges (obsessions) thoughts that lead an individual to engage in repetitive behaviour (compulsions). The repetitive thoughts that sufferers experience are often centred on themes of cleanliness and contamination, ordering, arranging or counting objects, or uncertainty as to whether they performed an intended action such as locking a door or window. The individual may deal with these thoughts by ignoring them, suppressing them, or attempting to 'neutralize' them with a behaviour or thought. OCD can also result in a person repeating words either to themselves or other individuals.
Examples of OCD in an individual can include:
- Excessive handwashing due to a fear of germs on the skin which will lead to sickness or disease
- Compulsive cleaning in the home due to worries of contamination by dirt or germs
- Repeatedly returning to the car after parking to check that the doors are locked due to fears of car theft
- Hoarding possessions due to worries they may be needed in future if discarded, or that discarding items may result in feelings of incompleteness
- Arranging or aligning objects in response to obsessive thoughts of neatness, order, or perfection
Sometimes OCD is associated with magical thinking, whereby superstitious connections are made between actions and events. For example, an individual may believe that a catastrophic event may occur if they don't vacuum their house numerous times a day, or clench and release their fists a set number of times after they wake up.
It is not entirely known what causes OCD, but genetic and environmental factors appear to be involved.
THE IMPACT OF OCD
Repetive, unwanted, and intrusive thoughts or urges can cause OCD sufferers significant distress and anxiety. Feelings of shame, guilt, and anger can also result, and concentration can be impaired due to the exhausting nature of the thoughts. OCD can exist as a vicious cycle, given that the compulsions only provide temporary relief from the obsessions. Furthermore, the anxiety that is experienced may reduce the person's tolerance to stimuli that may trigger the intrusive thoughts. The serious impacts to an individual's quality of life may also be exacerbated if they attempt to relieve their symptoms by self-medicating with alcohol or drugs.
As compulsions can be time consuming, they can cause significant negative impacts on the individual in relation to their work, health, social life, and/or leisure activities. For example, an individual who spends hours washing their hands everyday due to distressing thoughts about dirt and germs may end up with physical damage such as raw or bleeding skin, or a condition such as contact dermatitis. Their fear of touching door handles or shaking hands may also negatively impact workplace duties and relationships.
Source: American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596
Image: Freepik. Close-up of a woman's hand cleaning carpet with vacuum cleaner.
Wirestock - Freepik.com. Closeup shot of a person holding a door knob and opening the door
Why you shouldn't diagnose yourself
This page is for information purposes only and is not intended for self-diagnosis. The symptoms described can also be attributable to certain medical conditions, medication, illicit drugs, or other psychological disorders.
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