Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition affecting 1-3% of people in the United States. People living with OCD experience symptoms that impact daily functioning. People may spend a lot of time and energy engaging in obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors. 

Treatment can help people manage OCD symptoms and improve functioning. Recognizing the symptoms of OCD and seeking obsessive-compulsive disorder treatment can help people feel and function better. 

This article will explore what obsessive-compulsive disorder is and how to treat it. You will learn:

• The symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder
• What happens in treatment for OCD
• Where to find treatment and support to manage OCD

If you or a loved one lives with OCD, you are not alone. Contact the mental health specialists at Agape Behavioral Healthcare to learn about our comprehensive treatment and support programs. 

What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a type of anxiety disorder. This mental health condition causes disruptive symptoms that can prevent people from functioning well in daily life. People with OCD may experience uncontrollable, repetitive thoughts or engage in “rituals” of repetitive actions.

People with OCD may spend a significant amount of time engaging in these repeated actions or rituals. Persistent, recurring thoughts can be distressing and distracting. Without treatment, the symptoms of OCD can be disruptive to a person’s life. They can make people very uncomfortable and impair daily functioning. 

Recognizing the Symptoms of OCD

Obsessive-compulsive disorder involves symptoms that include obsessive thoughts and compulsive actions. Here is an overview of these symptoms and how to identify them.

Obsessions

Obsessions are repetitive mental images, urges, or thoughts. People with OCD may have these obsessive thoughts, images, or urges frequently. They can be distressing and impair daily functioning. 

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) gives these examples of common obsessions:

• Intense fear of losing control over behaviors
• Excessive worry about germs or contamination
• Worrying about losing or forgetting things
• Thoughts of being violent or aggressive toward others
• Desiring things to be “perfect” or orderly
• Experiencing intrusive thoughts about bodily harm, sexual behaviors, or religious ideas

People with OCD may experience distress as a result of these urges, thoughts, or mental pictures. 

Compulsions

Compulsions are repetitive behaviors people feel compelled to perform. People with OCD may experience an overwhelming urge to perform rituals or actions related to obsessions. 

Some examples of compulsions include:

• Repeatedly checking things, such as making sure the door is locked
• Repeating prayers, words, or mantras
• Excessively cleaning or washing hands
• Arranging items in a specific order
• Compulsive counting

People with obsessive-compulsive disorder may spend a lot of time performing these rituals. Engaging in compulsive actions can impair functioning and impact quality of life. 

Some people with obsessive-compulsive disorder develop verbal or motor “tics,” which include repetitive sounds or movements. Examples of tics may include:

• Blinking 
• Shoulder shrugging or jerking
• Grimacing
• Head movements
• Throat clearing
• Grunting
• Sniffing

People with OCD must meet specific criteria before a doctor will diagnose them. These criteria include:

• Spending an hour or more engaging in obsessions or compulsions each day
• Experiencing significant problems related to their compulsions or obsessions
• Not feeling satisfied after engaging in compulsive behaviors
• Losing control of their obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors

In many cases, people with OCD have another mood or anxiety disorder. People are most likely to exhibit symptoms as a child or young adult. 

What Causes OCD?

Many mental health professionals believe several factors may increase a person’s risk of developing OCD. These factors include:

• Genetics
• Family history
• Personality
• Differences in the brain
• Life events

Some research suggests that OCD may be a disorder associated with streptococcal infections. Children may develop Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS). 

Some children with streptococcal infections develop a tic disorder or symptoms of OCD. In some cases, children with OCD symptoms may have worsening symptoms during a strep infection. 

Treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Mental health professionals typically use a treatment plan of therapies and medications to treat the symptoms of OCD. Here is an overview of the therapies used during OCD treatment.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of talk therapy. It focuses on helping people identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors.

Exposure and response prevention (ERP)

Exposure and response prevention therapy can help people with OCD reduce compulsive behaviors. People learn how to manage triggers in a safe, supportive environment. They work with a licensed mental health professional to learn how to reduce compulsive behaviors. This type of therapy can significantly improve daily functioning. 

Medications

A medical practitioner may prescribe medications to help reduce OCD symptoms. People may take serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to balance the brain’s serotonin levels and reduce depression. 

Research shows that behavior therapies, talk therapy, and medications are the most effective at helping people manage OCD symptoms. 

Find OCD Treatment in Florida

If you or someone you love needs treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder, you can find support at Agape Behavioral Healthcare. Contact our specialists to learn about our comprehensive treatment and support programs. You may also contact us to schedule an appointment. 

References:

1. National Institute of Health (NIH): Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
2. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Obsessive-compulsive Disorder
3. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association (SAMHSA): Obsessive-compulsive disorder and substance use disorders
4. NIH: Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS)