This post was originally published on October 16, 2024.
Today marks the beginning of OCD Awareness Week, an annual event devoted to expelling myths about obsessive-compulsive disorder, eliminating stigma and providing valuable education about the condition and how best to support those who are affected. In recognition of this week, I want to provide some basic facts about the condition as well as potential treatment options for those affected.
Q: What exactly is obsessive-compulsive disorder(OCD)?
A: Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a mental health condition that affects people of all ages, from all walks of life, and will impact approximately 2.3% of Americans at some point in their lives. There are two key characteristics of OCD: obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are thoughts, images or impulses that occur over and over again, feel outside of the person’s control and typically trigger intense anxiety, fear, uncertainty, doubt or the sensation that things need to feel “just right.” Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or thoughts that a person uses with the intention of getting rid of the obsessions or reducing the associated negative feelings.
Q: How is this different from being “obsessed”?
A: It is common that people refer to themselves as a “little OCD” or talk about being “obsessed” over something. This is understandable given that most people will have transient obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors at some point in their life. Who among us hasn’t checked the door to make sure it is locked more than we feel is necessary, or worried momentarily that a mistake we made might have catastrophic consequences.
The difference for people with OCD is that these transient concerns don’t fade so easily or quickly. Another core difference with OCD is that the obsessions and compulsions must be so extreme that it consumes a lot of time, causes intense distress or gets in the way of important activities that the person values. For people who fear coming into contact with contaminated substances, it is not uncommon that they will spend more than an hour a day washing their hands or cleaning.
Q: What are common types of OCD?
A: One common theme includes concerns about coming into contact with contaminants such as germs, diseases, bodily fluids and dirt. Associated compulsions include hand washing and showering. Another type involves obsessions regarding responsibility for causing something terrible to happen. For these individuals “checking” compulsions are common, such as ensuring multiple times that the stove is turned off or that the door is locked after leaving the home. Other common types of obsessions include intrusive thoughts and images, especially around violent or sexual themes, and intense concerns regarding perfection, symmetry, arranging and order.
Q: What about treatment?
A: Effective treatments for OCD include a form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and medication. ERP is a form of therapy that involves gradual practice in confronting the thoughts, images, objects and situations that make you anxious and/or provoke your obsessions. Response prevention refers to not engaging in compulsive behavior once the anxiety or obsession has been triggered. This is done in collaboration with a therapist and helps to gradually reduce the fear and anxiety associated with a particular obsession. Another popular treatment is medication, typically Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SRI), which are traditionally used as antidepressants, but also help to address OCD symptoms. Approximately 70% of individuals with OCD will benefit from either ERP or medication.
For information about OCD, or to join in raising awareness around OCD this week, you can visit the International OCD Foundation to access more resources, learn more about OCD, or find support for yourself or a loved one.
Cam Bauchner is currently working towards a master’s degree in social work from Boston College with a specialization in mental health. He has several years of experience providing mental health care for adults in a variety of settings including inpatient programs and community mental health centers.
While Cam is interested in working with all individuals, he is especially passionate about helping individuals struggling with OCD, anxiety and depression. Additionally, he has a background working with clients experiencing psychosis, mood disorders, and their family members, and is committed to supporting these populations across treatment settings.
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