What Is OCD?

Quite simply, OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) is a chronic and sometimes severe mental health condition where a person experiences uncontrollable recurring thoughts (obsessions) that are experienced as intrusive and then engages in repetitive behavior (compulsions) in order to stop the intrusive thoughts. A person thus engages in the compulsions to “neutralize” the obsessions. However, the compulsions are often excessive and harmful and quite often aren’t realistically related to the obsession. Temporary relief from anxiety might be experienced, but the thoughts and behaviors typically return and the cycle begins anew.

For example, a person may be fixated on the need to create some order in their life. If things generally feel out of control, they may exert control where they are able to - such as in their own home. While at home, their anxiety rises. They may then decide to order or arrange items in their home to experience some sense of control. This may not be such a bad thing for a person without OCD. However, for someone with OCD this ordering may become excessive, time-consuming, or a new source of stress and it thus adds to the exact “problem” it was supposed to fix.

In the Diagnostic and Statistical of Mental Disorders (5th ed.), OCD may be diagnosed if a person endorses the following:

A. Either obsessions OR compulsions:

Obsessions are:

            1) Recurring & persisting thoughts, impulses, or images that are experienced as intrusive or inappropriate ad cause marked distress;

            2) These are not simply excessive worries about real-life problems;

            3) The individual seeks to ignore or suppress them with some other thought or action;

            4) The individual recognizes that that they are a product of his or her own mind.

Compulsions are:

            1) Repetitive behaviors or mental acts the individual feels driven to perform in response to the obsession or according to some “rules” that must be rigidly applied;

            2) These behaviors & acts are designed to prevent or reduce stress or prevent some dreaded situation. However, they are not connected in any realistic way with what they are designed to neutralize or prevent and/or are clearly excessive.

B. The obsessions & compulsions cause marked distress, are time-consuming (> 1 hr. per day), or significantly interfere with functioning &/or relationships.

C. The obsessions or compulsions are not due to medication, substance abuse, a medical condition, or content related to another disorder.

The good news is that there are a number of effective techniques to help remediate the symptoms of OCD. Finding a therapist with experience working with OCD can help you or your loved one experience relief from its often debilitating symptoms.

If you'd like support for yourself or your child, schedule an appointment with Dr. Sina today.