Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
OCD is distinguished by the presence of obsessions and/or compulsions. Obsessions are unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that persist and are intrusive to the person experiencing them. Compulsions are defined by mental acts or repetitive behaviors that a person feels a strong need to perform in response to their obsessions. The person is compelled to continue the compulsory behaviors because of the temporary relief they provide. Performing the compulsions fuels the OCD and keeps the person stuck in the cycle, essentially becoming a prisoner to their symptoms.
Common Obsessions and Compulsions
Thoughts
Recurrent, intrusive thoughts that persist and cause significant anxiety.
Checking
Time-consuming, repetitive checking of things such as doors being locked, the stove is turned off.
Images
Unwanted, persistent images, often graphic in nature, that cause distress.
Ordering
Repeated behaviors related to things being symmetrical, even, or “just right” in order to reduce distress.
Sensations
Hyperawareness of sensory experiences such as breathing, blinking, and walking.
Washing
Excessive hand washing or showering in an attempt to reduce anxiety in response to contamination obsessions.
Urges
A strong desire to engage in compulsions to reduce distress.
Mental Rituals
Mental acts such as repeatedly counting or praying in order to neutralize the obsession.
Treatment for OCD
OCD is highly treatable. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy that helps clients to gradually expose themselves to feared situations using a co-created hierarchy and beginning with the exercises that are the least distressing first. The client is always in control of the process and makes the choice as to whether or not they are comfortable with the exposure. As treatment progresses, small wins allow the client to gain momentum and continue on the path to freedom.
“When you step out of your comfort zone, take a risk, or face a challenge, you will feel fear. That’s not weakness; it’s the natural state of affairs for normal human beings.”
— Russ Harris