OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), also known as obsessive-compulsive disorder, is a chronic mental health disorder characterized by obsessive thoughts and unreasonable anxiety that compel individuals to perform certain behaviors to alleviate stress.
However, OCD is often misunderstood by society, including mental health professionals. Many people believe that if you have a habit of keeping your hands clean, meticulously planning outings, or organizing your belongings, you may have OCD.
Misunderstanding 1: OCD Involves Repetitive Behaviors
As the name suggests, OCD has two main components:
- Intrusive thoughts or images known as obsessions.
- The compulsion to perform certain behaviors to relieve the discomfort caused by the obsessions.
People often associate OCD with frequent handwashing or repeatedly checking things, but you may just be a bit meticulous or prefer cleanliness more than usual. In reality, OCD is much rarer and can lead to significant psychological distress. Patients find it difficult or nearly impossible to control their obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors, which often consumes time and negatively affects their work and personal lives, leading to severe mental decline.
Misunderstanding 2: The Main Symptom of OCD is Excessive Handwashing
While people often associate OCD with handwashing, the symptoms of OCD can manifest in various forms. Obsessions may include fears of contamination, feelings of insecurity, fears of harming others, or excessive attention to numbers, patterns, or morals. Compulsions can manifest as excessive cleaning, checking multiple times, meticulously arranging items, or walking in a specific pattern.
Misunderstanding 3: People with OCD Are Unaware Their Actions Are Irrational
In fact, many patients with OCD are very aware of their condition but find it impossible to escape the thoughts and actions they themselves find senseless. This is one reason why OCD can be exhausting. Those with OCD often express frustration over the irrational thoughts that cause them stress, leading to a loss of control over their reactions.
What Causes OCD?
Sadly, we do not fully understand the origins of OCD. However, research has provided some insights. Studies indicate that OCD is associated with three areas of the brain that regulate behavior, cognition, action, and emotions. Additionally, OCD is linked to serotonin deficiency (a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, irritability, appetite, sleep, pain sensation, etc.).
The good news is that there are effective treatments for OCD, such as medications that increase serotonin levels in the brain or cognitive-behavioral therapy, which helps patients gradually confront and ignore their obsessions.
It can be distressing to know that your brain is deceiving you, yet you feel unable to defy it. However, with knowledge and understanding of your condition, you can explore ways to cope and alleviate this situation!
Symptoms and Prevention
Individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder frequently experience the urge to perform certain actions repeatedly. Most people with OCD are preoccupied with anxious thoughts regarding specific phenomena. These thoughts persist, are uncomfortable, and can even dominate or interrupt other thoughts. As a result, patients may enter a state of fear and anxiety.
Common obsessive symptoms of OCD include: fears of contamination or dirt; obsessions with order and symmetry; aggression; persistent thoughts of pornographic images… Additionally, victims may fear dirty hands or feel distressed when touching anyone else, pull their hair, bite their lips until they bleed, or doubt whether they have locked the door or turned off the stove.
Some individuals obsess over the thought of accidentally harming someone, constantly counting numbers in their heads, or feeling uncomfortable when objects are not neatly arranged or aligned. Those who fear harm coming to family members may repeat actions of checking in or suspect threats to minimize potential harm. Many cases lead to feelings of self-hatred regarding appearance, resulting in distress and helplessness due to an inability to change.
Most individuals with OCD recognize that their thoughts and actions are irrational. However, they cannot stop thinking and feel compelled to act in a certain way as a “precaution.”
People with obsessive-compulsive disorder often hesitate to share their condition. However, this mental health issue, like any other ailment or syndrome, requires treatment.
Currently, individuals with OCD are often treated using two methods: psychotherapy and medication. Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), helps individuals confront their fears and obsessive thoughts without resorting to compulsive actions.
Medications typically used are antidepressants, specifically selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These help alter and balance the chemicals in your brain. However, this method should only be undertaken with consultation and guidance from a physician, as it may have side effects for children and adolescents.
