Obsessions
Unfortunately, “OCD” has become a catch-all phrase for any behaviors that are particularly neurotic or pattern-oriented, and that makes it seem like less of a disorder than it really is. In reality, living with OCD can be terrifying and extremely difficult, even debilitating.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a kind of anxiety disorder characterized by very specific obsessions and behaviors (compulsions). The obsessions are recurrent or persistent thoughts that cause the sufferer mental and sometimes emotional anguish. Obsessions cause distressing emotions such as disgust or anxiety, and often involve thoughts of behaviors deemed immoral or wrong, fear of harm or contamination, or a need for symmetry or exactness. Despite the fact that these thoughts are not logical and are painfully intrusive, the person having these thoughts cannot shut them off or down, or rationalize them.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
The compulsions may include any or all of the following:
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- Counting to make sure something is done the “right” number of times
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- Cleaning excessively and repeatedly due to the obsession with germs or contamination
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- Repeating things to dispel anxiety, such as a name or place. People suffering from OCD often know logically that this doesn’t actually help them, but they are so compelled to that they do it anyway.
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- Checking to make sure doors are locked, ovens are turned off, items are unplugged, shades are drawn, etc. Checking often becomes such an intensely necessary and time-consuming part of the day that people who do suffer from OCD cannot function normally, and may not even be able to leave their homes.
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- Ordering and arranging items, lists, household objects. Everything must be “just so “ or they cannot experience any relief.
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- Mental compulsions such as repeating prayers or phrases to try to reduce their anxiety or as a preventative measure against future bad events.
They may also include other anxiety-driven behaviors.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Diagnosis
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is diagnosed by observing the following:
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- At least 1 hour a day is spent on the thoughts or behaviors
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- No pleasure is found in performing rituals, but temporary, brief relief may be felt
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- Lack of control over the obsessive thoughts and/or compulsive behaviors, even though they are often able to recognize that those thoughts and behaviors are excessive
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- Significant problems in daily life due to the obsessions and compulsions
As you may no doubt understand, the major difference between the real OCD patient and the person who jokes that their neuroses is OCD is the severity of the thoughts and behaviors therein. If you’re washing your hands twice within five minutes, you’re (probably) not OCD. At least, not by that metric. If you have to wash your hands 17 times before you can exit the bathroom, you may have an issue with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
Another common sign of OCD is a tic disorder. Motor tics can be present in blinking or other eye movements, or grimacing, shoulder shrugging, and jerking of the head and shoulder. Vocal tics, including repetitive throat-clearing, sniffling, grunting or other sounds may also be present. Tics are often present in OCD patients.
If left untreated, OCD can interfere in all aspects of life. Fortunately, OCD generally responds well to treatment. With therapy and medication, OCD is often manageable, and patients find that they can often retake control of their lives.
Sometimes, symptoms of OCD will even come and go. Unfortunately, if untreated, the likelihood that your condition will remain dormant is unknown. Treatment remains the best option to manage OCD.
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