2% of the global population struggles with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Excessive, intrusive, repetitive, obsessive thoughts and compulsive, unwanted ritualistic behaviors disrupt an individual’s well-being. Obsessive thoughts are almost always of harmful content, provoking anxiety, fear, shame, or a sense of guilt. At such times, individuals struggle to understand why they cannot get rid of specific thoughts or obsessions. On the other hand, ritualistic behaviors are exhausting, distressing, absurd, and inevitable. People do not perform these behaviors for pleasure; instead, they are used as a mechanism to attempt control over anxiety and emotional regulation. The content, frequency, onset age, and co-occurrence of obsessions and compulsions depend on individual factors. OCD is often found in individuals with tendencies towards perfectionism, maximalism, excessive responsibility, and reduced self-confidence.
Symptoms:
- Obsessions and/or compulsions
- Spending a significant amount of time on obsessions and compulsions
- Decreased social skills and work performance
- Anxiety
- Sleep disturbances
- Reduced mood
- Irritability
Obsessive (Intrusive) Thoughts/Images
Constant, repetitive, recurrent words, ideas, or beliefs emerged in consciousness against one’s will. Intrusive distressing images or vividly imagined scenes and memories may also occur. Obsessions are experienced as intrusive, unpleasant, unfamiliar, inappropriate, and senseless. The individual tries to resist, understanding the absurdity of the thoughts, but in vain. The content of intrusive thoughts always brings out anxiety, fear, disgust, and shame.
Compulsion
The individual experiences a strong urge, forced feeling to perform repetitive, stereotypical physical or mental behaviors in a specific sequence and quantity. Most of the time, compulsions reduce or relieve obsessions and anxiety caused by them, but they also may occur independently of them. Compulsions briefly ease anxiety symptoms and fear, but opposing or failing to perform them results in a sense of panic and the necessity to complete the ritual. Resistance is generally unsuccessful, and attempts are associated with significant distress.
Common compulsions include:
- Frequent washing of hands or body (e.g., inability to shake hands, use public transportation, or stay in crowded places without frequent washing)
- Cleaning (e.g., washing dishes multiple times, difficulty being sure of cleanliness)
- Checking (e.g., repeatedly checking if the house door is locked, checking numerous times if the gas stove is off, uncertainty about completed actions)
- Counting (e.g., counting objects, actions, steps, stairs, etc.)
- Performing actions in an exact order with precision
Treatment:
- Pharmacotherapy
- Psychotherapy