Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder that can have a significant impact on an individual's daily life. It's a chronic condition that affects many people around the world, but it’s treatable. Seeking help from a reputable OCD treatment center, individuals can effectively manage their symptoms and live a more fulfilling life.
This article aims to inform you about the symptoms of OCD – we will delve into the different types of obsessions and compulsions and how they can manifest in an individual's life.
Weston Family Psychology offers a range of evidence-based therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention (ERP) that have been proven to be effective in treating OCD. Contact us at (954)-384-1117 or visit our contact page to learn more about how we can help.
Overview of OCD Symptoms
OCD is characterized by persistent and unwanted thoughts, ideas, or sensations (obsessions) that drive a person to perform repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) in order to alleviate their anxiety or distress. These compulsions are performed in an attempt to make the obsessions go away, but in most cases, they provide only temporary relief.
Obsessions
Obsessions are recurring thoughts, impulses, or images that cause anxiety or distress in an individual. These thoughts are often irrational, and the individual may try to ignore or suppress them, but that effort only increases their affliction, leading to compulsive behaviors.
The obsessions can be so intense that they take up a lot of time and energy, which interferes with daily life activities. Some common examples of obsessions include:
Fear of contamination, dirt, or germs, which can lead to compulsive hand washing or cleaning
Excessive doubt, such as questioning whether you have locked the door or turned off the stove, leading to compulsive checking
Unpleasant thoughts, such as fear of harming oneself or others, leading to compulsive rituals or mental acts to neutralize the sensation
Fear of losing control or doing something embarrassing in public, which can result in compulsive avoidance of certain situations
The person may realize that their obsessions are unrealistic or exaggerated but still find it hard to stop the thoughts or reduce the distress caused by them.
Compulsions
Compulsions are repetitive behaviors that an individual with OCD feels driven to perform in response to an obsession or according to rules that must be applied rigidly. These compulsions are performed in an attempt to neutralize, counteract, or “fix” the obsession, but logically, they are not at all connected to the problem they are trying to solve.
As with obsessions, compulsive behaviors typically have themes, and they’re either overt (visible to others) or covert (visible only to the individual). The following are examples of compulsions that may be associated with the obsessions mentioned above:
Excessive cleaning, such as washing hands repeatedly or cleaning and disinfecting surfaces multiple times in response to an obsession with contamination or germs
Counting or repeating certain words or phrases as a way to neutralize an obsession with losing control or harming oneself
Continuously checking locks, appliances, or windows to counteract an obsession with doubt or fear of harm
Repeating certain rituals, such as touching objects in a specific order or arranging things symmetrically, as a way to neutralize an obsession with symmetry or perfectionism
Notably, compulsions are time-consuming and can impede daily routines. The sense of relief achieved by performing compulsions is usually short-lived, and the obsession and the compulsion will return.
Symptoms
The symptoms of OCD can be broadly classified into three categories: physical, behavioral, and emotional.
Physical symptoms of OCD can include:
Muscle tension, such as clenching the jaw, grinding teeth, or tensing muscles
Fatigue, due to the amount of time and energy spent on obsessions and compulsions
Headaches, stomachaches, or other physical complaints
Behavioral symptoms of OCD can include:
Avoidance of certain situations or objects that trigger obsessions
Difficulty completing daily tasks or maintaining relationships due to the time and energy spent on obsessions and compulsions
Performing compulsive behaviors or mental acts in secret or at inappropriate times or places
Emotional symptoms of OCD can include:
Anxiety due to the persistence of obsessions
Fear of not performing compulsive behaviors or mental acts correctly
Depression caused by the burden of the disorder
Guilt, shame, or disgust because of the nature of the obsessions and the perceived inability to control them
It's important to note that these symptoms can vary in intensity and frequency and can change over time. The symptoms can also be accompanied by other mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety disorders.
OCD in Children
OCD can affect children just as it can affect adults, although it may present itself differently and can be more difficult to recognize. Children with OCD may display symptoms such as:
Difficulty focusing at school
Behavioral issues
Appearing anxious or worried
Engaging in repetitive behaviors, such as constantly asking the same questions or needing to touch objects in a specific way
They may also have difficulty with social interactions, have trouble sleeping, or struggle with schoolwork due to the time consumed by their obsessions and compulsions.
It's important for parents, teachers, and caregivers to be aware of the signs of OCD in children and to seek help from a qualified mental health professional at a child and family psychological services center. Child psychologists are trained to work with children and can provide appropriate assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.
Evidence-based Psychologists
All of us experience occasional obsessive thoughts or engage in occasional compulsive behaviors. However, it’s when these thoughts and behaviors become excessive and interfere with daily life that they may be indicative of OCD. Not all individuals with OCD experience the same symptoms, and severity can differ from person to person.
Living with OCD can be challenging, but with proper treatment and support, it’s possible to control its symptoms and live a fulfilling life.
If you think you or a loved one have OCD, it’s all the more important to educate yourself about the available treatment options. A psychologist at a reputable OCD treatment center near you can provide support and treatment to manage your OCD.
Consider seeking professional help from Weston Family Psychology. We offer comprehensive psychological services to help individuals and families manage their mental health challenges. We’re always here to help with OCD and other neuro-educational-related concerns.
Call us at (954)-384-1117 or fill out this simple web form to find out how we can help.
