What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
What is OCD?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a common, chronic, and long-lasting mental health condition characterized by uncontrollable, recurring thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions) that an individual feels compelled to repeat.
Everyone experiences intrusive thoughts in their day to day, however individuals with OCD will become so distressed over these thoughts or images that they react with a series of compulsions or rituals in an attempt to reduce the distress they cause, which can lead to immense impairment on their quality of life.
OCD is a common mental health disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Approximately 1-2% of the global population will experience OCD at some point in their lives. In North America about 2-3% of adults experience OCD at some point in their lives. OCD often begins in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood with the average age of onset being around 19, with 25% of cases starting by age 14. There are effective treatments available, and many individuals can manage their symptoms successfully with proper psychoeducation and care.
Access to OCD Treatments and When to Seek Them with Dr Peggy Richter
Mark Antczak, from Anxiety Canada interviews Dr. Peggy Richter, a leading expert in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Dr. Richter, known for her groundbreaking research on the genetic and biological underpinnings of OCD, discusses how to effectively advocate for yourself, access support, and explore various treatment options including medications and therapies.
Key Features That Distinguish OCD
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by two main components: obsessions and compulsions. Understanding these components is essential to grasping the nature of the disorder.
What are common types of Obsessions?
Obsessions are intrusive, unwanted thoughts, images, or perceived urges that cause significant anxiety or distress. These thoughts are persistent and often seen as irrational or excessive by the individual experiencing them.
CONTAMINATION FEARS
Fear of germs, dirt, or illness.
Example: Intense fear of touching doorknobs due to fear of contamination.
FEAR OF HARM
Worries about causing harm to oneself or others.
Example: Persistent thoughts of accidentally hitting someone with a car.
SYMMETRY AND ORDER
Need for objects to be perfectly aligned or arranged in a specific way.
Example: Feeling distressed if books on a shelf are not perfectly aligned.
AGGRESSIVE OR INAPPROPRIATE THOUGHTS
Disturbing thoughts about harming others or engaging in inappropriate behavior.
Example: Unwanted thoughts of shouting obscenities in a public place.
RELIGIOUS OBSESSIONS
Excessive concern with religious or moral correctness.
Example: Fear of committing blasphemy or sinning.
What are common types of Compulsions?
Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that an individual feels driven to perform in response to an obsession or according to rigid rules. These actions are aimed at reducing the anxiety or preventing a feared event, although they are often not realistically connected to the feared event or are clearly excessive.
CLEANING AND WASHING
Excessive hand washing, cleaning, or showering.
Example: Washing hands repeatedly for long periods after touching an object.
CHECKING
Repeatedly checking things to prevent harm or avoid danger.
Example: Checking locks multiple times to ensure they are secured.
COUNTING
Counting objects or performing actions a specific number of times.
Example: Counting steps while walking or counting items in a grocery store.
ARRANGING
Organizing items in a precise, symmetrical, or specific way.
Example: Rearranging books on a shelf until they feel “just right.”
MENTAL RITUALS
Repeating certain phrases, prayers, or numbers mentally.
Example: Silently repeating a specific phrase to neutralize a bad thought
How can OCD impact someone’s life?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can lead to significant dysfunction in various areas of a person’s life. The extent of this dysfunction depends on the severity of the disorder and how it affects the individual’s daily functioning.
PERSONAL LIFE
Time Consumption: Individuals with OCD may spend several hours each day engaging in compulsive behaviors or dealing with obsessive thoughts.
Daily Routines: Simple daily tasks can become time-consuming and stressful, making it difficult to maintain a regular routine.
WORK AND SCHOOL
Performance Issues: OCD can impair concentration and efficiency, leading to decreased productivity and performance at work or school.
Attendance Problems: The disorder may cause frequent absences due to the time spent on compulsions or because of anxiety and distress.
SOCIAL LIFE
Social Isolation: Individuals might avoid social situations to prevent exposure to triggers or because they feel embarrassed about their compulsions.
Strained Relationships: OCD can cause tension and misunderstandings in relationships with family, friends, and colleagues.
MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING
Anxiety and Depression: The chronic nature of OCD and the distress caused by obsessions and compulsions can lead to anxiety and depression.
Low Self-Esteem: Constantly dealing with intrusive thoughts and the need to perform rituals can result in feelings of inadequacy and low self-worth.
PHYSICAL HEALTH
Physical Harm: In some cases, compulsions can cause physical harm, such as excessive hand washing leading to skin damage.
Neglect of Health: Individuals might neglect their physical health due to the time and energy consumed by their OCD symptoms.
FINANCIAL STABILITY
Job Loss: Severe OCD can lead to job loss or the inability to maintain employment due to reduced productivity and attendance issues.
Medical Expenses: The costs associated with therapy, medications, and other treatments can be financially burdensome.
Treatments for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Treating OCD involves a combination of professional help (trained counsellors and psychologists for individual therapy, psychiatrists for medication support), self-help strategies, lifestyle changes, and support from loved ones. With persistence and the right approach, you can manage your symptoms and lead a fulfilling life.
Downloadable resources for OCD
How To Effectively Manage Obsessions
Challenge unhelpful interpretations and replace them with more balanced ones helps manage obsessions. This is especially valuable for individuals with[...]Identifying and Supporting Students with OCD in Schools
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a neuropsychiatric illness that often begins in childhood and has significant impact on family, academic, occup[...]Managing Your OCD at Home
Learn helpful strategies to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder at home.Unhelpful Interpretations of Obsessions
When it comes to anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder, there are helpful and unhelpful ways to interpret obsessions and compulsions. Some Unhe[...]
Articles about OCD
Navigating Uncertainty and Adulthood as a Twenty-Something with OCD
Kelsey, one of our new Youth Network ambassadors, shares her experience navigating the uncertainties and decisions of adulthood while managing OCD. This is the first entry in a new blog series dedicated to sharing personal stories, journeys, and insi[...]ViewOur Caretoons Series Helps Kids Talk About Contamination OCD
Our Caretoons series offer a fun and safe way to talk to kids and teens about their anxiety, with entertaining characters who do their best but need support for their mental health. Both Caretoons series, Galaxy Brain and Time Travelling Pizza, intro[...]View
Caretoons: Contamination OCD with Time Travelling Pizza
Chris Crust loves skateboarding and hanging out with friends! But sometimes he has obsessive thoughts and feels like his mind is racing. Luckily, Future Chris has learned how to time travel and comes back to show himself that it’s going to be okay, and he’s not alone. Watch this episode of Caretoons above!
Caretoons: Contamination OCD with Galaxy Brain
Drexal the Alien is worried he may become sick if he doesn’t keep things clean—and in this episode of Galaxy Brain, his fear of contamination becomes a compulsion to clean that consumes him, preventing him from his other tasks and making it hard to listen to those around him. Watch this episode of Galaxy Brain above.
