Understanding Obsessive Compulsive Disorder BY STEFANIE on August 31st, 2015
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is condition characterized by an irrational feeling of fear and anxiety. Individuals who suffer from this disorder are plagued by unwanted and repetitive thoughts (obsession) that compel the person to do some action repeatedly (compulsion) in an effort to alleviate distress. The obsessive thoughts are usually centered on a specific emotion, object, or phobia. When individuals try to ignore the obsessive thought, they experience increased stress and anxiety. Obsessive-compulsive disorder is often progressive; once specific “rituals” of behavior are established, they become rigidly fixed and difficult to manage. Common example of ritualistic behavior seen in individuals with OCD is repeated hand washing. An irrational belief that his/her hands are dirty, despite washing, compels the individual to repeatedly wash, sometimes in a self-harming way (scalding hot water, using a rough instrument like a luffa or scrubbing pad). The compulsive cleaning becomes ritualized when a specific number of scrubs or another desired outcome much be reached before the individual is satisfied. Individuals with this common compulsion often have dry, callused, and red hands from excessive washing. When unable to engage in this activity, the individual may experience an anxiety or panic attack. In extreme cases, individuals create a lifestyle that accommodates their specific rituals People with OCD are usually aware that their actions are abnormal and irrational, but they feel unable to control the behaviors. Some individuals find a sense of control in their compulsions, but others feel out of control when engaging in compulsive behaviors.
Common Traits and Symptoms of OCD The obsessive thoughts experienced by those with OCD have some common themes, including the fear of germs and doubting one’s safety (causing individuals to ritualize actions such as locking doors, unplugging appliances, etc.); in severe cases, compulsive thoughts involve the fear of harming one’s self or others. Individuals with OCD are also more likely to have one or more phobias than those without OCD. Phobias, unlike average fears, involve an irrational sense of dread or aversion focused on an object, activity, or situation. Common compulsions include cleaning, checking, counting and a perfect symmetry of the things. Symptoms can present in children as young as 7-9 years old; most individuals are diagnosed in late adolescence. The symptoms of OCD may fluctuate over time,
increasing in severity during stressful situations, and decreasing during predictable or uneventful times. Without treatment, however, some compulsions become rigidly fixed into daily living routines; they can be a source of disruption, distress, and shame in an individual’s life.
Treatment Strategies for OCD Cognitive-behavioral therapy and support groups are beneficial treatment approaches to those with obsessive-compulsive disorder. SSRI antidepressants, which act on the serotonin activity in the brain believed to be responsible for obsessive thinking, are commonly used as an adjunct to therapy. Individuals with OCD often have a co-morbid mental illness, such as major depression or an anxiety disorder; for these individuals, tricyclic antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications are often necessary. Cognitive behavioral therapy is aimed at reducing the impact of intrusive thoughts by teaching effective coping strategies and relaxation techniques. Systematic desensitization and flooding are two techniques used in CBT therapy; both techniques involve gradually introducing the fearinvoking object or situation to the patient in a controlled environment, with the therapist present. With the therapist’s guidance, the patient is taught to practice relaxation techniques, including deep breathing, imagery and muscle relaxation. Such treatment options can significantly decrease the severity and frequency of symptoms and improve the quality of life for many people with OCD.