When Thoughts Take Control: Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Jun 4, 2023

4 min read

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common anxiety-related disorder that is characterised by repetitive, unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and irrational, excessive urges to do certain actions (compulsions) repeatedly. These thoughts or behaviors can cause a person with OCD to experience significant problems in their daily life.

Although most people with OCD may know that their thoughts and behavior don't make sense, they are often unable to stop them. Symptoms typically begin during childhood, the teenage years or young adulthood.

If you think you have OCD, it might be time to seek help.

Symptoms of OCD

People with OCD may have symptoms of obsessions, compulsions, or both. These symptoms generally last more than an hour each day and can interfere with all aspects of life, including work, school, and personal relationships.

Obsessions

Obsessions are repeated, irrational thoughts, mental images, urges, or impulses that repeatedly occur in your mind. These can cause anxiety, and people may try to ignore or suppress them, which only increases their distress.

Obsessions tend to have themes to them, for example:

Fear of germs, dirt or contamination.
Needing things to be symmetrical or in a perfect order.
Aggressive thoughts towards others or yourself.
Doubting yourself excessively and having difficulty tolerating uncertainty.

Examples of obsessions include:

Fear of being contaminated by touching objects others have touched.
Intense stress when objects are not in perfect order or positioned a certain way.
Thoughts about shouting obscenities in public.
Fears of saying or shouting inappropriate things or acting inappropriately in public.
Doubts about having done something right, like turning off the stove or locking a door.
Thoughts about harming yourself or others.

Compulsions

Compulsions are repetitive acts or behaviours that a person with OCD feels the urge to perform over and over again in an attempt to relieve stress brought on by an obsession.

Compulsions can be excessive and often not linked to the problem they are intended to fix. People with OCD know that these rituals don't make sense but feel they must perform them to relieve the anxiety and, in some cases, to prevent something bad from happening.

As with obsessions, people may try to avoid performing compulsive acts but feel forced to do so to relieve anxiety.

‍Like obsessions, compulsions typically have themes, such as:

Washing and cleaning
Checking
Counting
Orderliness
Demanding reassurance

Examples of compulsions include:

Excessive hand-washing and/or cleaning due to a fear of germs.
Counting and recounting money because a person is not sure they added correctly.
Repeatedly checking on things, such as repeatedly checking to see if doors are locked or the stove is off.
Counting in certain patterns.
Ordering and arranging things in a particular, precise way.
"Mental checking" that goes with intrusive thoughts.

Risk factors for OCD

The exact cause of OCD is unknown, but research suggests the following risk factors could contribute to the onset of OCD:

Personal experience

Some theories suggest a link between personal experience and an increase in the likelihood of developing OCD symptoms. Examples of triggers include:

Painful or traumatic childhood experience.
Stressful life event.
Close family members who may have exhibited OCD behaviour patterns, from whom compulsive behavior is learned.
Pregnancy or giving birth.

Personality

Some studies suggest that people with certain personality traits may be more likely to have OCD. For example, if you are a neat, meticulous, methodical person with high standards, you may have an increased likelihood of developing OCD.

Biological factors

Some theories suggest that low levels of the brain chemical serotonin may play a role in developing OCD, but it’s unclear whether this is a cause or an effect of the condition.

OCD may also have a genetic component. Studies have shown that people with first-degree relatives (such as a parent or sibling) who have OCD are at a higher risk for developing OCD themselves.

Treatment

OCD is typically treated with psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of the two.

In addition to professional treatment, proper self-care can help a person manage their OCD.

Psychotherapy

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is effective for many people in helping to relieve obsessions and compulsions. CBT focuses on identifying and changing negative thoughts and feelings about yourself, to help you change unhelpful responses and behaviours.

Medication

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), a type of antidepressant, has been found to be effective in reducing OCD symptoms.

Health care providers can prescribe medication for OCD and should advise on the potential benefits, risks and side effects.

Proper self-care

Tips for helping you manage your OCD and improve your well-being include:

Learn about OCD - to empower you and motivate you to stick to your treatment plan.
Build your support network - spend time with family and friends, and talk to someone you trust about your OCD.
Try a peer support group - making connections with others facing similar experiences can be helpful in coping with challenges.
Look after yourself physically - exercise regularly, eat a healthy, balanced diet and get sufficient sleep.
Learn relaxation and stress management techniques – breathing exercises, meditation, mindfulness or yoga - for example - may help ease stress and anxiety.
Explore healthy ways to channel your energy - such as hobbies and recreational activities.

Takeaway

OCD is a common anxiety-related disorder that is characterised by repetitive, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and irrational urges to do certain actions (compulsions) repeatedly. These thoughts or behaviors can cause a person with OCD to experience difficulty in performing day-to-day activities.

If you feel you need a mental health professional to help you deal with your OCD so you can improve your well-being, then online therapy can make a significant difference.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment option for OCD, and research shows that online therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy.

Online therapy comes with the following benefits:

Flexible - You can schedule therapy sessions for times that are most convenient for you.
Convenient - You can access therapy from anywhere, from the comfort or your home or wherever you feel most comfortable.
Time-saving - You don’t have to travel or spend months on a waiting list for a suitable therapist in your area.

If you’ve been struggling with OCD, help is available for achieving better mental well-being.