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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition where a person has obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours. For men, symptoms will most likely start during late adolescence, but the amount of men and women who have OCD is equal.

 

What are the symptoms of OCD?

​There are many components to OCD, such as obsessions and compulsions. They often trigger each other, creating a cycle.

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Obsessions: 

Intrusive thoughts, such as feelings or sensations, memories, or urges, can pop into our minds unintentionally. These are very common and sometimes can be scary, shameful or offensive. We might get shocking thoughts that go against our values and beliefs, such as thoughts of hurting people.

We can’t control intrusive thoughts, and they can become obsessions. Obsessions arise when intrusive thoughts are challenging to manage, and we might feel like we can’t share them with others or that there’s something wrong with us.

 

Emotions:

Obsessions or intrusive thoughts can often feel distressing and anxiety-invoking, especially when they’re thoughts of harm or things we don’t believe in. Trying to manage the anxiety caused by these obsessions is often done by compulsions.

 

Compulsions:

We feel we have to learn to do these repetitive tasks to reduce the distress or uncertainty caused by obsessive thoughts. 

We can feel like we have to continue doing the compulsion until the distressing thoughts go away, and they might make us feel better at first. It might also feel like the more we do a compulsion, the stronger the urge is to do it again, which increases anxiety and obsessions in the long term.

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Compulsions can:

  • Be things you do physically, such as turning light switches on and off

  • Be things you do in your head, such as checking bodily sensations or how you feel about a thought

  • Involve a number, such as completing a compulsion a specific number of times

  • Involve someone else​

 

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What causes OCD?

  • It’s not clear what causes OCD, but there can be several factors that may influence or increase the likelihood of developing OCD, although these might not apply to everyone.

  • Genetic factors: some researchers believe that a family history of anxiety or OCD will increase the likelihood of developing OCD

  • Biological Factors: Serotonin, the brain chemical that helps regulate emotions, sleep, and memory, is thought to influence the development of OCD, based on the association of SSRI medication with symptom improvement.

  • Life events: If we’ve experienced trauma, this can sometimes increase the chances of developing OCD symptoms to help cope with our distress

 

How is OCD treated?

If you think you might have OCD, the first step is to book an appointment with your GP. They will ask about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They can treat you or refer you to a mental health specialist. 

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has said that CBT and SSRI medication can help with OCD. Read more about these treatment options here. 

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How can I help someone I know who has OCD?

  • Learn about the disorder to be able to recognise and understand the components of OCD.

  • Encourage them to challenge compulsions where appropriate. Communicate with the person who has OCD to find an approach that works for you both so you can support them.

  • Validate their feelings, and stay calm and patient

  • Help delay or reduce the amount of time they spend on compulsions

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References:

NHS

OCD UK

Mind

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