Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a common, chronic, and long-lasting disorder in which a person has uncontrollable, reoccurring thoughts (obsessions) and/or behaviors (compulsions) that they feel the urge to repeat over and over. Understanding the nuances of OCD is crucial for individuals questioning whether their experiences align with this condition.
What is OCD?
OCD comprises two main components: obsessions and compulsions.
- Obsessions are repeated, persistent, and unwanted thoughts, urges, or images that are intrusive and cause distress or anxiety.
- Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that a person feels driven to perform in response to an obsession or according to rules that must be applied rigidly (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
Common Symptoms of OCD
While only a qualified medical professional can diagnose OCD, certain signs and symptoms are commonly associated with the disorder:
- Obsessions might include fears of contamination, having things in perfect order, aggressive or horrific thoughts about harming oneself or others.
- Compulsions could be behaviors like excessive cleaning, ordering, checking, or mental acts like praying, counting, or repeating words silently (Ruscio et al., 2010).
It’s important to note that OCD is not just about liking things a certain way or being a perfectionist. The rituals and habits are excessive and often not logically connected to the problem they’re intended to fix.
Diagnosis Criteria
According to the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders” (DSM-5), several criteria are used to diagnose OCD, including:
- Presence of obsessions, compulsions, or both.
- The obsessions or compulsions are time-consuming (e.g., take more than 1 hour a day) or cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
- The obsessive-compulsive symptoms are not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance or another medical condition (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
Treatment Options
OCD is typically treated with a combination of psychotherapy and medications:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), specifically Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), is considered the most effective type of psychotherapy for OCD (Foa et al., 2005).
- Medications, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are commonly used to help reduce the symptoms of OCD (Goodman et al., 2010).
Self-Assessment and Seeking Help
If you suspect you might have OCD, consider the following steps:
- Reflect on the Impact: Are your thoughts and behaviors causing significant distress? Are they time-consuming or resulting in functional impairment in daily life?
- Seek Professional Help: A mental health professional can provide a proper diagnosis and discuss the most appropriate treatment options.
- Avoid Self-Diagnosis: While it’s important to be informed, only a professional can diagnose and treat OCD.
Conclusion
OCD is a serious mental health condition characterized by distressing obsessions and compulsions. If you’re experiencing symptoms of OCD, it’s crucial to seek professional help. With the right treatment, individuals with OCD can manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives.
Take a quick self assessment
References
- American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
- Ruscio, A. M., Stein, D. J., Chiu, W. T., & Kessler, R. C. (2010). The epidemiology of obsessive-compulsive disorder in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Molecular Psychiatry, 15(1), 53-63.
- Foa, E. B., Liebowitz, M. R., Kozak, M. J., Davies, S., Campeas, R., Franklin, M. E., … & Tu, X. (2005). Randomized, placebo-controlled trial of exposure and ritual prevention, clomipramine, and their combination in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder. American Journal of Psychiatry, 162(1), 151-161.
- Goodman, W. K., Grice, D. E., Lapidus, K. A. B., & Coffey, B. J. (2010). Obsessive-compulsive disorder. Psychiatric Clinics, 33(3), 671-690.
How to get in touch
If you or your patient/NDIS clients need immediate mental healthcare assistance, feel free to get in contact with us on 1800 NEAR ME – admin@therapynearme.com.au.
