Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) (not to be confused with Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)) is a mental health condition characterized by recurring thoughts called obsessions and repetitive behaviors called compulsions that help to stop the obsessions temporarily. The thoughts are called obsessions because they feel almost impossible to control. The behaviors are called compulsions because one feels compelled to perform the actions to relieve an overwhelming amount of anxiety. These obsessions and compulsions significantly impact a person’s ability to function optimally in life.

⚠️Symptoms

• Obsessive, intrusive, and distressing thoughts, doubts, or fears (thoughts of perfection, symmetry, safety/danger, contamination/cleanliness, etc.)
• Compulsive, repetitive behaviors or mental acts to reduce anxiety caused by obsessions (cleaning, checking, counting, seeking reassurance, arranging, avoiding, or fixing perceived imperfection).

📋Types

• Checking OCD — Frequent checking of locks, appliances, or personal belongings.
• Contamination OCD — Intense fear of germs or contamination, leading to excessive cleaning or avoidance.
• Symmetry and Ordering OCD — Obsession with arranging and aligning objects to achieve a sense of balance.
• Hoarding OCD — Excessive accumulation of items and difficulty discarding possessions, resulting in cluttered living spaces.
• Intrusive Thoughts OCD — Distressing and unwanted thoughts or images that are difficult to control, often of a violent, sexual, or religious nature.

🔍Causes

• Childhood trauma and highly stressful life events (e.g., abuse, loss, heartbreak, disaster)
• Family history/Genetics/Neurobiology (runs in the family / genetic factors/brain abnormalities)

💊Treatment Options

• Psychotherapy
• Exposure and response prevention
• Medication (SSRIs)
• Lifestyle & behavioral changes
• Alternative therapies when medication has not worked (Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)