Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is defined by the occurrence of unwanted and uncontrollable obsessive thoughts or distressing images, and is accompanied by compulsive behaviours. The compulsive acts are performed in order to neutralize the repetitive thoughts or images. Compulsions can involve either repetitive physical behaviours or mental rituals and there are often very strict rules on how this behaviour should be performed.

Most of us at some point in our lives have experienced minor obsessive thoughts. For example, whether we remembered to lock the door or turn the stove off and sometimes we may even engage in these behaviours such as checking the stove or the lock on the door. However, when comparing this to those suffering from OCD, it is very different. Their thoughts and compulsions are much more persistent, extreme and distressing, and the compulsive behaviours interfere with everyday activities and daily functioning.

Other examples of obsessive thoughts include, fear of contamination or dirt, fear of harming yourself or others, intrusive sexual thoughts and fear of illness. It is not uncommon to experience a range of emotions such as feeling stressed or anxious, frustrated, depressed or even a sense of shame and wishing to hide your OCD from others. However, remember there are many people you can trust and talk to, such as mental health professionals, willing to help and offer support!

People with OCD feel as though they have to perform the behaviours over and over again, even if they don’t want to or think they seem meaningless, strange or even irrational. The five main types of compulsive behaviours, which people mostly experience consist of checking, cleaning, ordering/arranging and counting. Many individuals may have a few of these compulsions rather than just one. For a smaller number, having things symmetrical or even are the compulsions experienced. In recent years another form of compulsive behaviour receiving much attention is that of hoarding.

Some people’s behaviours can vary in severity such as washing your hands after going to the bathroom for around 15 to 20 minutes to washing your hands with disinfectants for hours everyday to the point where the hands bleed. This is also similar for checking rituals such as checking all the locks two to three time before leaving the house. Performing these rituals brings the individual a reduced feeling of tension, satisfaction and a sense of control. However, the relief is only temporary and the need to perform the rituals again and again is felt.

Approximately 2-3% of individuals in Australia experience OCD. Reasons as to why one may experience OCD are still unknown, however research has suggested that it may be linked to hereditary and genetic factors, the brain, personality traits or even stressful life events. It is important to look at the different approaches used to treat/manage OCD and one as such is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
This is when a mental health professional talks to an individual about their thoughts, feelings and behaviours and discusses alternative ways of thinking and coping. One advantage of this type of therapy is that the individual learns to become their own best cognitive therapist, by being taught techniques, strategies and skills to reduce their fear, or the need to engage in the compulsive ritual or overcome their anxieties and compulsions. Individuals can then continue to apply these techniques in-between or after therapy has finished.

Medication
In some cases medication may be helpful, however this is something that your psychiatrist or psychologist will be able to discuss with you. Certain medications help the brain to restore its usual chemical balance and help control the obsessions and compulsions.

Support groups
There are also many support groups (like here at ADAVIC) available for people with OCD where you can discuss your experiences with others who have been through similar ones.

References

www.anxietyonline.org.au/
www.anxietyaustralia.com.au
au.reachout.com/find/.../obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd
http://www.ocd.net.au/

By Alexandra Alipan —ADAVIC Volunteer