Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, commonly known as OCD, is a mental health condition that affects many people worldwide. It is characterized by persistent intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that a person feels compelled to perform.
People often joke about being “OCD” when they like to keep their home clean or their schedule organized, but having true OCD goes way beyond wanting to live in a clean house. In our blog, we will review the main symptoms of this disorder, the reasons you may have developed it, and the ways to diagnose and treat OCD.
Understanding OCD
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder that affects a person’s life—the individual diagnosed with OCD will suffer from obsessions and/or compulsions, feel distressed about their condition, and struggle to control their behavior.
While in the past OCD was associated with being a perfectionist, nowadays we know that this disorder may manifest in many ways—a person may have obsessive thoughts without any visible compulsions or hide their symptoms from the people around them out of fear or shame.
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Common Symptoms of OCD
It is important to differentiate between occasional intrusive thoughts and obsessive thinking that negatively impacts the life of the individual. Here are the typical symptoms of OCD you may recognize:
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Fear of Contamination | The person is afraid to shake hands, touch door knobs, and use public restrooms; in addition, the individual may develop an aversion to certain foods and drinks, considering them “unclean.” |
| Checking | Excessive verification whether the door is locked, the appliance is turned off, and the letter was sent to the right recipient—when a person spends hours every day checking things, it may be a compulsion. |
| Symmetry and Order | Some people with OCD feel uneasy when their surroundings are not organized in a certain way—for instance, they will not feel comfortable unless the objects on their desk are arranged in a particular order. |
It should be noted the symptoms of OCD are not always visible to others—a person may suffer from intrusive thoughts without any external triggers.
What Causes OCD?
There is no single reason to develop obsessive-compulsive disorder—a person may start showing symptoms of OCD due to a combination of factors.
Gene pool. If you have a close relative with OCD, there is a higher chance of you being diagnosed with the same disorder, especially at a young age.
Brain structure. In some cases, OCD is explained by the abnormal structure of the brain and the levels of serotonin, a brain chemical that regulates a person’s mood.
Personal experience. Sometimes OCD is triggered by a major stressor in a person’s life—for example, a child may develop this disorder after being bullied at school.
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How Is OCD Diagnosed?
Only a qualified mental health provider is able to diagnose OCD. Do not rely solely on online tests—while they may be able to point you in the right direction, it is crucial to talk to a professional about your concerns.
A therapist will ask you to describe your symptoms—the nature of the intrusive thoughts, whether you have any visible compulsions, and the way OCD has affected your life. In case you are diagnosed with OCD, the healthcare provider will come up with a customized treatment plan to help you.
Effective Treatments for OCD
Fortunately, nowadays OCD is a treatable disorder—you can get better with therapy and medications. Here are the best treatments for OCD:
Therapy. Work with a therapist to address your disorder—for OCD, the most common treatment is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT. This type of therapy will allow you to target the inaccurate beliefs, challenge intrusive thoughts, and gradually expose yourself to the triggers to learn to cope with them.
Medication. Your therapist may prescribe you drugs that will help you treat OCD via pharmacotherapy. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, or SSRIs, are often given to patients with OCD—these drugs are able to alleviate the symptoms of the disorder.
FAQs
1. What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder characterized by obsessions (intrusive thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors) a person cannot control.
2. What are the main symptoms of OCD?
The most common signs of OCD are the fear of germs or contamination, constant uneasiness unless things are symmetrical and organized, and endless checking of the things that may be left incomplete or undone.
3. Is OCD a common disorder?
It is estimated that the lifetime prevalence of OCD is a bit over 2%—while this disorder is not very common, millions of people around the world are diagnosed with it every year.
4. Can OCD be cured?
OCD is a treatable disorder—with the right therapy and medication, as well as the support of a mental health professional, a person can hope to manage their condition and reduce its negative impact on their life.
5. Who can diagnose OCD?
Only a certified healthcare provider is able to diagnose OCD—you should book an appointment with a therapist to tell them about your symptoms and come up with a personalized treatment plan that suits your needs.
Los Angeles Mental Health
Reach Out to Get Help for OCD
We hope that our guide was useful to you, whether you are struggling with intrusive thoughts of your own or you are looking out for a loved one who has shown symptoms of OCD. Remember that diagnosing and treating OCD is only possible if you talk to a mental health professional about your concerns—book an appointment with a therapist to start the recovery journey.
Our team at Los Angeles Mental Health is here for you—send us a message to get more details about OCD, schedule a therapy session, and make progress for your mental health!
