Unfortunately, there are many common misconceptions around Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) that are prevalent in our world today. Many people assume OCD is a type of demand that we need to fulfil, rather than a mental disorder that impacts many people in varying ways throughout their day to day lives.
What is OCD?
OCD is defined as an established abiding disorder where a person experiences uncontrollable repetitive obsessions and engages in recurring compulsions (“Obsessive-compulsive disorder”, n.d.). Typically, individuals living with OCD find these symptoms extremely hindering and they can cause significant distress for an individual (“Obsessive-compulsive disorder”, n.d.).
Common Signs and Symptoms of OCD:
Individuals with OCD may experience compulsions or obsessions. Obsessions are defined as recurring thoughts or impulses that are unwelcome and invasive (“Obsessive-compulsive disorder”, n.d.). Whereas compulsions are behaviours that are repetitive, which are often in response to an obsession (“Obsessive-compulsive disorder”, n.d.). Some examples of common obsessions include contamination, loss of control and preciosity (Szymanski, n.d.).
On the other hand, some examples of common compulsive behaviours include checking, cleaning, replicating or hoarding (Szymanski, n.d.). Typically, individuals with OCD struggle to control their compulsions and obsessions and commonly spend at least 1 hour a day focusing on these (“Obsessive-compulsive disorder”, n.d.).
Common Types of OCD:
In addition to the common types of obsessions and compulsive behaviours listed above, there are also varying types of OCD that individuals can experience. One type of OCD is Harm OCD which is when individuals find themselves fixating and becoming overwhelmed by vicious and fierce thoughts (McGrath, 2024). Commonly, individuals who experience Harm OCD can find themselves obsessing over these violent thoughts, causing them to avoid objects that are related to their obsessions (McGrath, 2024).
On the other hand, Sexual Orientation OCD (SO-OCD) occurs when individuals obsess about one’s sexuality and sexual orientation (McGrath, 2024). The obsessive thoughts individuals with SO-OCD have can cause individuals to doubt their sexual orientation based on interactions they have experienced. These obsessions can lead to avoidant behaviour of people of the same sex (McGrath, 2024).
Another type of OCD is Contamination OCD, which is the most typecast form of OCD (McGrath, 2024). Individuals who experience Contamination OCD typically have obsessions revolving around being sick or infecting someone they care about (McGrath, 2024). The compulsions that come from these obsessions can involve repetitive cleaning or washing hands (McGrath, 2024).
Risk factors for OCD:
There are varying risk factors that can increase the chance of being diagnosed with OCD (National Institute of Mental Health , 2019). Studies have shown that individuals who have a parent or sibling with OCD can increase the possibility of developing the disorder (National Institute of Mental Health , 2019). In addition, some studies have found that there is a relationship between OCD and childhood trauma, however more research is needed to understand this association (National Institute of Mental Health , 2019).
Current treatment for OCD:
Treatments for OCD can vary based on severity and types. These most commonly involve a combination of medications and psychotherapy (National Institute of Mental Health, 2019).
These treatment plans can help individuals to learn to control their symptoms and reduce anxiety surrounding their obsessions and compulsive behaviours (National Institute of Mental Health , 2019).
Research has identified that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an effective psychotherapy technique for individuals with OCD (National Institute of Mental Health , 2019). CBT is a type of psychotherapy that aims to change individuals problematic thought patterns and behaviours (Understanding CBT for OCD | Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety | Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 2022). In addition to CBT, Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP) is a type of CBT that exposes people to their obsessions in a safe environment (National Institute of Mental Health , 2019). Research has shown that ERP can be a helpful strategy for helping individuals conquer their OCD.
References:
McGrath, P. (2024, February 9). 7 Different Types of OCD & Intrusive Thoughts | OCD Subtypes. Www.treatmyocd.com. https://www.treatmyocd.com/education/different-types-of-ocd
National Institute of Mental Health . (2019, October). Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd#:~:text=Obsessive%2DCompulsive%20Disorder%20(OCD)
Szymanski, J. (n.d.). What Are Common Obsessions and Compulsions? | Everyday Health. EverydayHealth.com. https://www.everydayhealth.com/anxiety-disorders/experts-common-obessions-and-compulsions.aspx
Understanding CBT for OCD | Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety | Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. (2022). Www.med.upenn.edu. https://www.med.upenn.edu/ctsa/forms_ocd_cbt.html
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Obsessive-compulsive disorder. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd#:~:text=Obsessive%2Dcompulsive%20disorder%20(OCD),or%20interfere%20with%20daily%20life.
