The International OCD Foundation defines Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder that occurs when a person is caught in a cycle of obsessions and compulsions.
Obsessions are unwanted and intrusive thoughts that trigger intense feelings of distress. Compulsions are the behaviors of a person in an attempt to avoid or get rid of the obsessions and find relief from the related distress.
When most people think of OCD, they picture a person cleaning or keeping things organized. However, compulsions can vary drastically. In general, compulsions are repetitive behaviors and while the actions themselves may not be unhealthy, the obsession with completing the task can significantly interfere with a person’s career, social life, and personal relationships.
Common Obsessions in OCD
- Contamination Obsessions – Fear of touching or being near perceived contaminated substances
- Sexual Obsessions – Unwanted thoughts or mental images related to sex
- Violent Obsessions – Fear of acting on an impulse to harm oneself or others
- Religious/Moral Obsessions (Scrupulosity) – Excessive concern with offending God, damnation, and/or concern about blasphemy
- Responsibility Obsessions – Fear of being responsible for something terrible happening or harming others because of not being careful enough
- Identity Obsessions – Excessive concern with one’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Perfectionism-related Obsessions – Perfectionism, excessive concern about evenness & exactness; concern with a need to know or remember; fear of making mistakes
Common Compulsions in OCD
- Washing and Cleaning
- Mental Compulsions – Mental review of events to prevent harm, Praying to prevent harm (to oneself or others, to prevent terrible consequences)
- Checking – Checking that you did not/will not harm others or yourself; checking that you have not made a mistake; checking parts of your body.
- Repeating – Repeating routine activities (opening doors, or sitting down); repeating body movements (tapping, touching, blinking); Repeating activities in “multiples” (doing a task three times)
Treatment
It is important to note that finding a solution to OCD without help can be extremely difficult. PBC Psychiatry has helped many people find relief to a wide spectrum of mental health concerns. Treatment plans for OCD vary for each person but may include therapy and medications. Following a regular treatment plan and meeting regularly with a specialist like Dr. Cawkwell can drastically improve the quality of your life by decreasing the control that OCD has over your actions and thoughts.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
For meaningful improvement from the effects of OCD, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has shown better results than medications alone. Instead of treating the symptoms, CBT takes a holistic approach which includes a person’s thoughts and mindset. One effective CBT practice is exposure & response prevention. You may be exposed to situations that trigger an obsessive response and practice avoiding performing the compulsive behavior. Gradually increasing the exposure and level of anxiety will build resilience to OCD reactions.
Medication
There are certain medications that are used to treat OCD and other mental health disorders. After a diagnostic consultation, Dr. Cawkwell may recommend some medication to assist in your treatment process. The medication may change as your progress through your treatment plan and begin to show results, reducing the need for the medication to assist your healing journey. In some cases, medications may not be needed at all.
If you have been diagnosed with OCD or believe you are showing signs and symptoms of OCD, help is available to you from the convenience of your own home. Dr. Cawkwell can provide you and your family with quality mental health resources and treatment. Contact PBS Psychiatry and find out more about available services and care.
