The Signs of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder, generally known as OCD, is a mental health condition characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Basically, these obsessions and compulsions can seriously interfere with a person’s daily activities and social interactions.
The truth is, identifying OCD can be challenging, as it often manifests differently in different individuals. Nevertheless, getting to know the signs of OCD can aid in early diagnosis and treatment. If you find yourself or a loved one identifying with the symptoms discussed below, consider reaching out to a mental health professional for guidance.
Signs and Symptoms
Unwanted and Intrusive Thoughts
One of the hallmarks of OCD is the presence of recurring and unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that cause significant anxiety or distress (obsessions). These thoughts can be quite disturbing and can revolve around various themes like cleanliness, harm, religious or moral correctness, or orderliness. For instance, you may have intense, intrusive thoughts about harming a loved one or worry excessively about catching a disease due to perceived contamination.
Compulsive Behaviors
People with OCD often find themselves driven to perform specific, repetitive behaviors (compulsions) in response to their obsessive thoughts. These rituals are not enjoyable but are an attempt to alleviate the stress or prevent a feared event. However, there’s no true connection between these actions and the event they’re meant to avert.
Common compulsions include excessive cleaning or handwashing, arranging items in a particular order, checking on things repeatedly (like whether the door is locked), or compulsive counting.
The Cycle of Obsession and Compulsion
People with OCD typically get stuck in a cycle of obsessions and compulsions. An intrusive thought triggers intense discomfort, leading to a compulsion to perform certain rituals. While these rituals provide temporary relief, they reinforce the original obsession, creating a vicious cycle that’s hard to break.
Time-Consuming Obsessions and Compulsions
For someone with OCD, obsessions and compulsions consume a substantial amount of time—at least an hour per day, though often much more. These behaviors cause significant distress and interfere with work, school, or other important daily activities.
Excessive Need for Reassurance
People with OCD often need constant reassurance from others. This might be about their obsessive fears (e.g., constantly asking loved ones if they are safe) or related to their compulsions (e.g., needing someone to repeatedly confirm that they’ve performed a ritual correctly).
Avoidance Behavior
Individuals with OCD might avoid certain places or situations that trigger their obsessions. For example, someone with contamination fears might avoid public places like shopping malls or restaurants to mitigate their anxiety.
Distress and Dysfunction
Importantly, obsessions and compulsions cause significant distress and impact daily functioning. People with OCD often feel trapped by their own thoughts and actions and may experience feelings of embarrassment, guilt, and frustration about their symptoms.
Awareness of Excessive Behavior
Most people with OCD realize that their obsessions and compulsions are excessive or don’t make sense. However, this awareness doesn’t decrease the anxiety associated with obsessions or the urge to perform compulsions.
If you or a loved one are experiencing these symptoms, it’s essential to seek help from a mental health professional. OCD is a chronic condition, but with appropriate treatment, which often includes cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication, individuals with OCD can regain control over their lives and reduce their symptoms.
Don’t forget there is no shame in seeking help.
Further Reading: 7 Subtle Signs of High-Functioning Anxiety You Shouldn’t Overlook
