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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

What is OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)?

What is OCD?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a pattern of thoughts, which are often unwanted, or fears (obsessions), which lead a person to perform repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Many times these compulsions become rituals, which “must” be performed. This behavior interferes with daily activity and can cause significant anxiety.

Ignoring or abruptly stopping these obsessions may increase your anxiety. For most, repeating these rituals is a way to reduce stress. The urges to repeat the compulsions ultimately comes back and thus repeats the cycle of OCD.

Common types of OCD may be with excessive washing of your hands, repetition in locking doors, constantly checking your phone (even social media). Many times the one suffering from OCD realizes it is a bad behavior and “not normal”, they may feel embarrassed or ashamed.

OCD-Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

What are obsession symptoms of OCD?

OCD obsessions may be persistent, repeated, and unwanted urges, thoughts, or visualizations which are intrusive and cause anxiety. Ignoring them may not work and the person suffering may feel the need to perform a ritual (compulsive behavior).

OCD is typically broken down into several themes:

Fear of being dirty
Doubt and inability to tolerate uncertainty
Need to have order and symmetry
Horrible thoughts or aggressive behavior about losing control or hurting others/self
Unwanted thoughts, aggressiveness, sexual or religious compulsions

Obsessive examples may include:

Fear of being contaminated
Repetitive locking of doors, turning the stove off, switching on/off lights
Intense stress and anxiety when things are not ordered
Vivid images of driving a car into a group of people
Thinking of shouting profanity or inappropriate actions in public
Hurtful sexual images
Avoidance in shaking hands

What are compulsion symptoms of OCD?

OCD compulsive behavior is repetitive and makes the person feel compelled to perform. Performing the behavior or act (even mental) are done to reduce anxiety related to the obsessive thought or to prevent something bad from happening. Performing the ritual brings only temporary relief and brings no pleasure.

The excessive compulsions are not realistic responses to fix a problem.

OCD themes may include:

Washing or cleaning
Repetitively checking locks, lights, looking out a window, etc.
Continual counting
Ordering something which is already in order
Performing a specific routine
Asking for assurance

Compulsive signs or symptoms include:

Washing your hands to the point they become raw
Repetitive locking, unlocking, and locking of doors (to make sure they are locked)
Turning the stove on/off to make sure it is off
Counting in patterns (by 2’s, 3’s, 4’s, etc.)
Repeating prayer, words, or phrases
Arranging items in a pantry so they face the same way
Organizing your clothes by a specific pattern in your closet

When to see a Doctor about OCD?

When does OCD begin?

OCD begins (in most cases) as a young teenager or young adult, in rare cases it may start in childhood (10-12 years old). Symptoms of OCD may gradually start and may vary throughout life. Obsessions and compulsions may change over time (i.e. you may get rid of one only to generate another). OCD symptoms typically get worse when you experience stress. OCD is a mental illness, which is considered a lifelong disorder and it may be mild, moderate or severe to the point where it becomes debilitating.

When to see a Psychiatrist?

There is a big difference in being a perfectionist and having OCD. OCD is not simply an excess of worry about problems – if affects your quality of life and/or disrupts others you should see a psychiatrist. There is absolutely no shame in having OCD.

What causes OCD?

Causes of OCD

Like many mental illnesses OCD may be the result of:

Biology – Changes in the natural chemistry of your body and/or brain functions
Genetics – Specific genes have not yet been identified, but Psychiatrists believe there may be a genetic component to OCD
Learning – A person may actually learn obsessive fears or compulsive behaviors from watching others

Risk Factors with OCD

OCD may increase with having a family history of OCD, experiencing traumatic or stressful events (which, may trigger intrusive thoughts, rituals, or emotional distress), other mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse or a tic disorder.

Complications with OCD

The biggest issues we see resulting from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, OCD, are:

Repetitive time performing ritualistic behavior
Having regret or realizing ritualistic behavior is inappropriate
Dermatitis from excessive hand washing
Inability to attend work, school, or engage in social activities
Causing stress in a relationship
Poor quality of life
Suicidal thoughts or behaviors

Contact With Us

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Our team at Renue Psychiatry is dedicated to providing compassionate, confidential, and convenient telehealth psychiatry services.

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📞 Phone: (480) 544-4400
📧 Email: info@renuepsychiatry.com
🌐 Website: renuepsychiatry.com

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