What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?

About 1 in 40 adults in the US will struggle with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) at some point in their lifetime. Chances are, you may have seen characters with OCD on TV or in movies, though often these portrayals are misguided at best. Characters with OCD often wash their hands excessively, avoid handshakes, and somehow are excellent at solving crimes. But what really is OCD?

Two main features: Obsessions and Compulsions

Obsessions

Thoughts, mental images, or urges that cause anxiety and/or a sense of disgust

Examples: Worries about germs and contamination, compulsive thoughts about symmetry and perfection, worry thoughts about harming others or oneself, and thoughts about “forbidden” topics, like sex and religion

Compulsions

Repetitive behaviors that people feel urges to do in order to reduce their anxiety after having an obsessive thought

Examples: Handwashing and cleaning rituals, repeated checking behaviors of locks and appliances, and counting or other mental rituals

Can also be entirely mental processes that are not observable by others

Other characteristics of OCD

Obsessions and/or compulsions a) cause the person distress and b) interfere with their functioning in day-to-day life
The thoughts, urges, and behaviors are consuming and often take up a large amount of someone’s time and mental space

Thoughts about Thoughts

People with OCD often have exaggerated thoughts about their intrusive images and thoughts. These include the following:

· I need to pay attention to that thought.

· Other people don’t think this way. This means something is wrong with me.

· That thought is significant.

· That thought is dangerous.

· If I have that thought, it means something is true.

· I need to get rid of that thought—immediately.

Attempts to suppress thoughts, avoid situations that elicit thoughts, seeking out reassurance, criticizing yourself for having these thoughts, and other problematic strategies only perpetuate the problem. Due to misconceptions about OCD, people sometimes think that there is something “wrong” with them for being unable to control their obsessions or compulsions, or if they feel that the content of their obsessions is socially or morally unacceptable. Others may not realize that their patterns are indicative of OCD. But regardless of how someone presents, having untreated OCD can be a major impairment to one’s well-being and quality of life. Thankfully, effective treatment approaches do exist— learn more about these in our next newsletter.