Signs and Symptoms of OCD
by Katherine Pica, LCSW
Everyone feels anxiety from time to time. While some might wish for anxiety not to exist at all, it is the body’s alarm system to perceive threats and helps keep us safe. With anxiety it is often overactive. Anxiety at times can be helpful. It spurs us toward action if we are procrastinating on a large project, or warns us not to take a dark alley when walking alone. For some, after the anxiety signals the body and they respond, the anxiety subsides. For others, however, anxiety can linger, possibly affecting daily living. Ocd can cause someone to have a lot of distress and anxiety.
When struggling with anxiety and OCD often the alarm system is overactive. It's like our fire alarm going off after we blow out birthday candles. Our alarm system was warning us that there was a fire but in reality it was a false alarm. This is what is happening with OCD and anxiety.
Here's the thing: If left unchecked and untreated, OCD can cause a lot of distress and anxiety. Ocd interfere with relationships, careers, and even basic functioning.
Let’s better understand the essentials of OCD.
What is OCD?
OCD stands for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. It’s a disorder that involves unwanted or intrusive thoughts that bring on anxiety, distress and uncertainty. When anxiety is brought on by OCD an individual feels compelled to perform compulsions as a way to prevent the obsession from becoming a reality or feeling anxiety. These obsessions and compulsions can turn into a vicious cycle.
Obsessions of OCD
The obsessions of OCD consist of unwanted and repetitive thoughts or images that can feel difficult to manage or control. Here are some of the most common obsessions for individuals with OCD:
Contamination: To begin with, one of the main obsessions or fears of OCD is contamination. Germs, diseases, radiation, bodily fluids, or chemicals are all examples of things that someone with OCD could obsess over in relation to contamination.
Harm: Additionally, harm is another common obsession shown in individuals with OCD. Causing harm to themselves or others can be a huge concern for them to obsess over. They will worry that they weren’t careful and could be responsible for causing an accident or doing something terrible to someone else.
Loss of Control: OCD stems from not having control over a situation. Individuals experiencing obsessions over losing control fear that they’ll speak or act before they think. It makes complete sense that losing control would be an obsession.
Perfectionism: The obsession with perfectionism will cause individuals to arrange objects in a certain order. They’ll do this to remember certain information or keep track of their belongings.
Other Obsessions: Finally, some other obsessions include religious obsessions, unwanted sexual thoughts, concern about getting an illness or disease, or being superstitious about certain numbers or colors.
Compulsions of OCD
Compulsions are what individuals experiencing OCD use to help minimize or provide temporary relief for their obsessions to help them cope. Here are some examples of OCD compulsions:
Checking: An OCD checking compulsion could involve a number of different things depending on the obsession. For example, an individual could keep checking that their doors are locked, or their garage door is closed. Another check that could occur is checking an email for mistakes or ensuring that nothing and no one was harmed.
Cleaning: A cleaning compulsion is meant to reduce or limit contact with any contaminant. For instance, an individual who has an obsession or fear of dirt or germs may excessively bathe, brush their teeth, or wash their hands excessively throughout their day.
Repetition: Repeating or mentally reviewing certain motions, actions, or activities will happen until it “feels right” for the individual.
Other Compulsions: Lastly, other compulsions include actively avoiding things that may trigger an obsession, rearranging things, or constantly asking for reassurance.
Treatment Options For OCD
The best form of treatment for OCD is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). ERP has been shown to be 60-80% effective at reducing symptoms. ERP is a supported approach to help you face your fears. ERP has been shown to be the most effective form of therapy for OCD and it is considered the gold standard. Exposure and response prevention is a supported approach that will help step by step you face the concerns with your OCD.
San Diego OCD therapist
If you suspect that you or a loved one is showing signs or symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, you are not alone, and help is available. OCD may seem like a heavy feat, working with an OCD therapist can help you get back on track. With the right type of treatment you are able to get healing. Undeniably, one of the best treatment options for OCD is ERP treatment therapy. Reach out to me today to set up a consultation.
