Obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, is characterised by obsessions which take the form of unwanted, intrusive and repetitive thoughts or images. To alleviate the thoughts and images, a person with OCD performs repetitive behaviours or mental acts which are collectively known as compulsions. It is thought that the compulsions help to reduce anxiety is people with obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Characteristics of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Obsessions and compulsions may range from being very simple to being very complex and ritualistic. Compulsions can include obvious behaviours, such as hand-washing and repeatedly checking things, as well as mental acts such as praying or counting.
Obsessive-compulsive behaviours and activities generally take up more than an hour of the person’s time every day. In some extreme cases, compulsive rituals can take a number of hours to complete, and therefore, they can become the main focus of the person’s life.
It is not surprising, then, that obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms create a great deal of distress. The disorder severely impacts a person’s social life and ability to work. Some compulsive behaviours can even affect the health and safety of the OCD sufferer. Compulsive hand-washing, for example, can result in skin infections or severe dermatitis.
Facts About Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- OCD affects approximately 2% of the general population
- Men and women are equally affected by the OCD, although the average age of onset varies by gender. Men tend to develop OCD during adolescence, whilst women develop the disorder in young adulthood.
- Most people with obsessive-compulsive disorder experienceworsening of symptoms during stressful periods in life.
- Many people with obsessive-compulsive disorder also suffer from other psychiatric illnesses such as depression, panic disorder, social phobia, eating disorders and personality disorders.
Signs and Symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
A person with obsessive-compulsive disorder will have symptoms that include:
- Repetitive thoughts that cause stress
- Repetitive behaviours such as hand-washing, counting or checking and rechecking
- Social impairment caused by preoccupation with obsessions and compulsions
- Perceived need to achieve perfection
Most people with OCD are aware that their obsessions are irrational or excessive and many will try to hide their symptoms because they are embarrassed by them.
Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Treatment options for obsessive-compulsive disorder can include:
- Behavioural techniques
- Relaxation techniques
- Support groups
- Medication
The most common behavioural technique is that of exposure and response prevention. This treatment method exposes a person to an object or situation that triggers their obsessions – but the therapist prevents the patient from engaging in the usual compulsive response. This method helps people with OCD to manage their anxiety. Exposure and response prevention therapy is effective in approximately 80% of patients.
A Summary of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Many people mistakenly think that OCD means that someone is obsessive about washing their hands or checking that the door is locked, but in reality, the disorder is much more distressing than this, and may be accompanied by depression, anxiety and other psychiatric illnesses. Fortunately, obsessive-compulsive disorder treatment is both readily available and largely effective.
Sources:
Evans, D and Allen, H (2009), Mental Health Nursing Made Incredibly Easy, London, Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins.
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