What Is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that is characterized by intrusive thoughts, called obsessions, and repetitive behaviors or rituals, called compulsions. Unfortunately, OCD tends to become cyclical in nature where unwanted thoughts trigger anxiety, and performing a specific action or ritual can relieve that anxiety. Over time, this creates a loop that is difficult to break. Obsessions often cause anxiety as they are often considered inappropriate and shameful to the person experiencing them. It is worth noting that individuals with OCD may experience obsessions that are not a reflection of their true thoughts and can be quite distressing. This can lead to significant anxiety and emotional distress, making it crucial to seek proper treatment and support.
What Are The Symptoms Of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) symptoms can be classified into two categories: obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions refer to unwanted, intrusive thoughts that can be embarrassing and cause anxiety. These can take different forms such as intrusive thoughts, visual images, and bodily sensations. Common obsessional themes include fear of germs and contamination, continuous self-doubt, the need for symmetry, thoughts of losing control and harming others, and sexually inappropriate thoughts.
Compulsions, on the other hand, are behaviors and rituals that result from obsessions (unwanted and intrusive thoughts). These compulsions can manifest in various ways, including continuous checking, counting, repeating phrases, prayer, and developing specific behaviors and rituals that have to take place to make the person feel less anxious and safe. Examples of these behaviors include washing hands as a result of touching a contaminated surface, restarting a task until it is perfect, organizing objects based on symmetry and colors, and avoiding things that align closely with the shameful and unwanted intrusive thoughts.
How Is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Diagnosed
OCD is diagnosed by licensed mental health professionals. At Mind Glow Solutions, our psychiatric providers believe that these disorders cannot be fully understood through diagnostic criteria alone. Rather, they must be approached from a biopsychosocial and cultural perspective. To accurately diagnose OCD, our providers conduct a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation that includes collecting your psychiatric and medical history, social and personal history, as well as gaining a true understanding of your lived experience.
How Is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Treated?
Psychotherapy
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): ERP is considered the most effective form of psychotherapy for OCD. It involves gradually exposing individuals to situations or triggers that provoke obsessions (obsessive thoughts) and preventing them from engaging in compulsive behaviors (rituals). Over time, this helps individuals learn to tolerate anxiety without resorting to compulsions, leading to symptom reduction and increased distress tolerance.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Cognitive therapy focuses on identifying and challenging irrational beliefs and thought patterns associated with OCD. By reframing distorted beliefs and developing more realistic perspectives, individuals can reduce the frequency and intensity of obsessions and compulsions.
Medication
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs): These antidepressant medications are often prescribed to treat OCD-and-related disorders. In fact, they are often our first-line agents against OCD. They help regulate serotonin levels in the brain, which can reduce the frequency and intensity of obsessions and compulsions.
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs): TCAs may be prescribed when SSRIs are ineffective or poorly tolerated. Examples include clomipramine (Anafranil), which is specifically FDA-approved for the treatment of OCD.
Augmentation Strategies: In some cases, psychiatrists may combine SSRIs/SNRIs with other medications including antipsychotics, tricyclic antidepressants, and other medications that are known to decrease anxiety.
Complementary | Integrative | Holistic | Non-Pharmacological Interventions
Lifestyle Modifications: Engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a balanced diet, getting adequate sleep, and avoiding substances like caffeine and alcohol can support overall well-being and may complement OCD treatment.
Stress Management Techniques: Learning relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery can help individuals manage stress and improve overall mental health.
Self-Care Strategies: Establishing a consistent daily routine, setting boundaries such as learning when to say NO, practicing self-compassion, being kind to oneself, journaling, spending time in nature, engaging in hobbies, setting realistic goals by breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps and setting achievable goals can help individuals with OCD feel a sense of accomplishment and reduce perfectionism.
