Even today obsessive compulsive disorder is often misunderstood. So, what is it?

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety illness. There are two parts to this disorder, namely the obsessions that can be described as unwanted and repetitive thoughts and the compulsions that are acts performed in an attempt to make the obsession disappear. OCD sufferers are likely to know that the thoughts and behaviours are irrational, but they are unable to resist them and feel less anxious once they have carried out a ritual.

Symptoms

Most people with OCD fall into one of the following categories:

    • Washers who are afraid of contamination. They spend a lot of time washing or cleaning.
    • Checkers who repeatedly check things that they associate with harm or danger (oven turned off, door locked, etc.).
    • Sinners who believe they will be punished and pray excessively or engage in religious rituals.
    • Doubters who are afraid that if something is not done right something terrible will happen.
    • Counters and arrangers who are obsessed with order and symmetry. They are constantly counting or rearranging objects or repeating certain words.
    • Hoarders who fear that something bad will happen if they throw something away. They collect things they do not have a use for.

Just because you may have obsessive thoughts or perform compulsive behaviours at times, does NOT mean you suffer from OCD. Many people have mild obsessions or compulsions, but they are still able to lead their lives without much disruption. However, for the OCD sufferer these thoughts and behaviours cause tremendous anxiety, take up a lot of time and energy and interfere with their everyday activities and social life.

Treatment

OCD can be caused by a number of factors, including genetics, biology, personality and how a person reacts to the environment.

There are many effective treatments for OCD, ranging from therapy to self-help and medication. The treatment found to be particular effective is cognitive behavioural therapy. Through this method the sufferer is taught effective ways of responding to obsessive thoughts without resorting to compulsive behaviour.

You can help if you have a loved one who suffers from OCD. The way you react to the person’s OCD symptoms is very important: negative comments or criticism make the symptoms worse, while a calm and supportive environment can help improve the outcome of the treatment. Praise any successful attempt to resist OCD and focus on the positive elements in the person’s life.

 

Sources

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Retrieved from http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Obsessive-compulsive-disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov

 

(Revised by M van Deventer)