Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Awareness
What is OCD?
OCD, also known as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, is commonly misunderstood on what it is and the common factors that are needed for one to be diagnosed with OCD. Although many people may casually state that they have OCD due to the need for cleanliness this is usually not a main factor in most cases it can be although there is much more to OCD. When breaking down exactly what OCD means we can start with the obsession that are worries that consume an individual's day-to-day. These obsessions can come randomly; they can be images, urges or even intrusive thoughts. Obsessions for an individual with OCD are ones that they cannot control or even get rid of. Where compulsions come into the picture is when an individual has certain acts that they complete that are extreme to lessen the obsessions. Individuals who have OCD may end up being stuck in the cycle of compulsion due to an obsession coming up for hours at a time in some cases.
Signs and Symptoms of OCD
Signs:
The compulsions are taking more an one hour a day
Causing severe clinical distress to everyday life including school, social, occupational aspects
Avoiding situations that might trigger obsessions
Common Examples of Symptoms of Obsessions and Compulsions:
Obsessions:
Fears of contamination, harming oneself or others, blurting out obscenities or fear of going against one's religion (if one practices it)
Focus on order and repetition with everyday tasks
Individual having unwanted sexual thoughts or urges
Compulsions:
Checking a task that has been completed repeatedly for mistakes
Ordering arranging objects that coincide with a certain order
Hoarding or on the other side cleaning or washing objects or oneself too many times
Mental rituals which can include repeating certain phrases over and over counting or even praying
Difference between Compulsion and Obsession
Compulsion is the act that an individual does to relieve the unwanted obsessions that come about during the day. For example an unwanted thought about fear of contamination may come up and an individual will then do a ritual to relieve the thoughts. Where an obsession is defined as the unwanted thoughts.
Risk factors and Causes Psychological, Biological and Genetic
There is a potential connection between psychological, biological and genetic factors that may play into an individual having OCD. Psychological factors can include the concept of individuals having correlated certain situations and objects with fear causing them to perform the compulsions to lessen one's state of anxiety. Some biological factors that might come into play is that individuals who have OCD tend to have higher brain activity in the areas of the brain that regulate serotonin which in turn affects one's impulse control mood and regulation. As for genetic factors, there has not been as much found in terms of one specific single thing that genetically may be a cause of OCD, rather there are multiple different genes that play a role.
How to help someone with OCD
When having suspicions that you or someone you know might have OCD, being able to be supportive of if there are rituals that they may have to complete is a way to support them as well. Individuals with OCD might have a harder time reaching out, so if they do, taking the time to listen can go a long way. Reassuring them that the obsessions are not their beliefs and may not align with how they view the world or others is also another form of support that may help. Of course, seeking treatment, finding the right resources and places for you or a loved one to go also contribute to feeling better.
Types of Treatments
Treatment can involve many different aspects. Seeing what works best for you or the individual themselves is highly important. Individual counseling and/or group counseling can be beneficial depending on what the individual is most comfortable with. Overall, understanding that OCD has a major impact on an individuals life and to be understanding with what they are going through. That this is an everyday cycle that the individual is going and has a high impact on their quality of life.
Resources:
https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/obsessive-compulsive-disorder