Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is a complex condition consisting of recurrent intrusive thoughts or images (obsessions) and related repeated or ritualized behaviors (compulsions) used to temporarily decrease feelings of anxiety related to the unwanted thoughts or images.
In order for a diagnosis of OCD to be made, these symptoms must take up at least hour of time per day and cause significant distress or impairment in functioning.
Obsessions
The content of obsessions can range from cleanliness to religion to sexuality. Some people categorize "types" of OCD based on the content of obsessions; you can see examples of these below.
Compulsions
The compulsive behavior depends on the obsession to which it is responding. Compulsive behaviors can include counting, praying, reciting, excessive checking, research, avoidance, and more. Compulsions can be physical (an observable behavior, such as repetitive tapping) or mental (an invisible behavior, such as counting).
Insight
Most people with OCD are aware that their obsessive-compulsive cycles are irrational, but this is not always the case. In some cases, an individual with OCD may have poor or moderate insight (they aren't sure whether they are being irrational or not) or lack insight altogether (they are convinced that they are being rational).
Harm OCD refers to a manifestation of OCD consisting of intrusive thoughts or images about experiencing harm or perpetrating harm against others. This can also include obsessions that one has committed harmful or violent acts without knowing it.
Sexual Orientation OCD refers to obsessions about one's sexual orientation. This is not the same as questioning one's sexuality, which is a natural phase to go through.
Pedophilia OCD refers to intrusive thoughts about pedophilic acts, the fear that one is or may become a pedophile, or the fear that one is secretly a pedophile without knowing it.
Religious OCD refers to manifestations of OCD around sin, religious observance, morality and ethics, or salvation.
Contamination OCD is the most common subtype of OCD and includes intrusive thoughts surround exposure to germs or illness.
Existential OCD is a subtype of OCD which includes obsessions surrounding the meaning of life, the existence of God, the ability to perceive reality, and other philosophical questions. These questions are normal ones to consider, but in the case of OCD these obsessions can become overwhelming and cause impairment in functioning.
Superstitious or Magical Thinking OCD often involves intrusive thoughts that if they do not perform a certain compulsion or ritual that something bad will happen. Often, the ritual is unrelated to be perceived consequence.
Relationship OCD revolves around the fear that one does not love their partner, that they have cheated on their partner without knowing it, or that they will betray a loved one. Compulsions might include rituals around seeking reassurance from loved ones.
Responsibility OCD involved intrusive thoughts around the fear of how one's actions affect other people or the fear that you will inadvertently put others in danger. Compulsions might include rituals revolving around prayer, cleaning, or avoidance.
What are the signs of religious OCD? How do we recognize it? What does it look like? Check out this video by licensed clinical social worker Nathan Peterson.
"I'm so OCD." Many people describe themselves as "OCD" for preferring things to be clean, orderly, or categorized a certain way. This is not the same as obsessive-compulsive disorder. OCD is ego dystonic, meaning its symptoms act against one's actual values. It is a debilitating condition which causes distress and suffering.
Having OCD means you're a clean-freak. The obsessions and compulsions in OCD are different for everyone. They do not necessarily have anything to do with cleanliness or organization. Examples of compulsions include counting, turning the lights on and off, tapping your leg, or reciting words.
People with Pedophilia OCD actually are pedophiles. Someone with pedophilia OCD may doubt and question themselves as a symptom of their condition, but they are not actually pedophiles nor do they pose any danger to anyone. Suggesting to them that their thoughts are true is extremely triggering and unhelpful. OCD is ego dystonic, meaning its symptoms act against one's actual values. It is a debilitating condition which causes distress and suffering.
People With Harm OCD are dangerous. Someone with harm OCD may struggle to function due to fear of accidentally harming someone, but they do not pose a threat to anyone's safety. Suggesting to them that their thoughts are true is extremely triggering and unhelpful. OCD is ego dystonic, meaning its symptoms act against one's actual values. It is a debilitating condition which causes distress and suffering.
ERP is type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the most common treatment for OCD.
It is important to note that not all therapists have experience treating OCD and it is vital to find a therapist who fully understands this complex condition.
ACT is another form of psychotherapy sometimes used to treat OCD. Talk to your therapist about which option is right for you.
It is important to note that not all therapists have experience treating OCD and it is vital to find a therapist who fully understands this complex condition.
In some cases, antidepressants or antipsychotics maybe used to treat symptoms of OCD.
Lifestyle changes pertaining to diet, exercise, and sleep can also help improve symptoms of OCD.
If an individual is unable to function, intensive outpatient treatment or inpatient treatment may be recommended.
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