😮‍💨 Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Man ruminating over an email he is sending.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that causes unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive actions (compulsions). Rumination, Checking, Contamination, Symmetry and Ordering, and Hoarding are different types of OCD. It can make daily life challenging, but with the right help, it’s possible to manage the symptoms and improve quality of life.

What Are Obsessions and Compulsions?

1. Obsessions

   • These are intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that feel impossible to control.

   • Behaviors associated with obsessing vary, but are commonly related to Ruminations and Intrusive Thoughts, Fear of Harm, Shame and Guilt, Checking, Cleaning, and Health.

   • Common examples include:

     • Fear of germs or contamination.

     • Worries about harming yourself or others.

     • A need for things to feel “just right.”

2. Compulsions

   • These are behaviors or mental rituals you do to reduce the anxiety caused by obsessions.

   • The behaviors associated with the compulsions vary but are commonly, Cleaning, Checking, Counting, Seeking Reassurance, Suppressing Thoughts, Hoarding, and Repeating Words.

   • Examples include:

     • Washing your hands over and over.

     • Checking if doors are locked or appliances are turned off repeatedly.

     • Counting or repeating words silently.

While these actions might help for a moment, they often create a cycle that makes the obsessions feel stronger over time.

Why Does OCD Happen?

OCD isn’t your fault. It’s caused by a mix of things like:

• Brain Chemistry: Changes in how the brain processes serotonin (a chemical that helps regulate mood).

• Family History: OCD can run in families.

• Stress or Trauma: Difficult experiences can sometimes trigger symptoms.

How Is OCD Diagnosed?

Doctors or therapists diagnose OCD by asking about your thoughts and behaviors. They’ll look for things like:

• Repetitive thoughts or actions that take up a lot of your time (over an hour a day).

• Anxiety or distress that makes it hard to live your life normally.

How Is OCD Treated?

1. Therapy

   • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A type of therapy that helps you face your fears and stop relying on compulsions to feel better.

   • Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): A special kind of CBT that gradually exposes you to what triggers your obsessions while teaching you to resist the urge to do compulsions.

   • Mindfulness: Focus on the present moment without engaging with the obsessive thought. Techniques like deep breathing or grounding exercises can help.

   • Recognizing the Pattern: Understand that rumination is a compulsion and part of OCD’s cycle.

2. Medication

   • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): These medications help balance brain chemicals and reduce symptoms.

3. Combination of Therapy and Medication

   • For many people, using both therapy and medication together works best.

4. Other Options

   • If symptoms are severe and don’t respond to typical treatments, other options like brain stimulation therapies may help.

Can OCD Get Better?

Yes! With the right treatment, many people learn to manage their symptoms and live full, happy lives. It takes time and effort, but progress is possible.

If you or someone you know is struggling with OCD, reaching out to a therapist or doctor is a great first step. You don’t have to face it alone!

Pacific MFT Network has therapists that specialize in OCD. Please find your OCD therapist on our Meet the Team page, https://www.pacificmft.com/therapist-info/meet-our-team