OCD Explained: Recognizing the Symptoms and Finding the Right Treatment

What is OCD? 

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (also known as OCD) is a chronic anxiety disorder that is characterized by the need to complete “rituals” that may vary from person to person. People with this disorder may be distraught at not being able to complete these rituals. OCD can be caused by a multitude of factors including genetics, stressful life events, and it can even be learned from childhood behaviors. This disorder is often associated with a great fear of germs and a focus on cleanliness, but this isn’t always the case which may make some people not realize they have OCD. Here are some common signs of OCD. 

Signs

1. Fear of germs 

As mentioned in the definition a fear of germs and uncleanliness. This may manifest through excessive cleaning and avoiding possibly unhygienic situations. This fear may be excessive, affecting everyday life trying to avoid any possible germs by avoiding large vents to prevent any exposure to germs. 

1. Perfectionism/uncertainty 

The compulsive part of OCD may cause people to end up wanting to fix things until it’s all “perfect”. If they are unable to achieve what they deem as perfect they may end up getting frustrated and sometimes spiral. This also sometimes causes avoidant behaviors as they are unable to achieve “perfection”. 

1. Intrusive thoughts 

One of the obsessive symptoms of OCD is uncontrollable intrusive thoughts about topics you may be disgusted by or that may be violent. This can be traumatic because it recurs repeatedly and cannot stopped. 

1. Compulsive rituals

A very common symptom of OCD is the need to complete “rituals” that may be tied to preventing the death of a loved one or something traumatizing. These rituals may be done every day, examples of these may be turning a light off and on a certain amount of times, or having a certain method of washing your hands. 

1. Bouts of depression from “imperfection”

The failure to reach the correct “standard” will cause you to spiral and may even lead to a depressive episode. 

Treatment

While this disorder is incurable there are treatments to help make this disorder manageable. If you recognize these signs in yourself or someone you know, it’s important to seek help. At Lifecare Wellness Counseling our expert counselors can discuss with you what steps might be best for you. Here are the overall possible treatment options that might be suggested to you. 

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

One of the main treatments for OCD is attending therapy routinely. Therapy can help manage OCD by teaching different coping mechanisms and talking through the emotions you might be feeling. 

1. Exposure therapy

This type of therapy includes slowly exposing you to situations that may trigger your OCD and talking you through it. 

1. Medication 

After being diagnosed and consulting with your physician, you may be prescribed medication to help manage the anxiety you experience in triggering situations. 

OCD is a complex and challenging condition, but with the right support and treatment, it is possible to reclaim your life from your compulsions. If your compulsions are negatively impacting your life or making it difficult to manage your daily activities, it's time to seek help. Therapy can provide you with the tools and techniques needed to cope with and overcome your OCD, leading to improved well-being and quality of life. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional or therapist to discuss your symptoms and explore the best treatment options for you.