Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD is a type of anxiety disorder. Obsessive compulsive disorder is a condition affecting roughly 1%t to 2% of the population. Those who suffer with OCD may have obsessive thoughts and urges that cause discomfort, stress and anxiety unless they engage in mental or physical rituals (compulsions) which then alleviate their anxiety which was caused by the sufferer’s obsessions.
OCD can be a challenging diagnosis as it tends to manifest itself in many different forms and conditions to put it simplistically. With years of experience in OCD based treatment programs such as ERP, we are here to help stop these conditions from occurring.
Obsession Symptoms of OCD
- The Fear of Contamination: An overwhelming, irrational fear of germs, dirt, chemicals, or bodily fluids.
- Intrusive Taboo Thoughts: Unwanted thoughts regarding violence, sexual acts, or religion that seem out of character for the individual.
- The Need for Symmetry and Exactness: A persistent mental sensation that something is “just not right” and must be aligned or balanced perfectly.
- Fear of Harming Self or Others: Persistent, terrifying thoughts that one might lose control and cause an accident or commit an act of violence.
- Pathological Doubt: An inability to trust one’s own memory or perception (e.g., “Did I leave the garage door open?” or “Did I accidentally hit someone with my car?”).
Compulsion Symptoms of OCD
- Excessive Cleaning or Washing: Scrubbing hands until they are raw or cleaning household items repeatedly to neutralize a fear of contamination.
- Checking: Repeatedly checking locks, switches, stoves, or documents to ensure no harm has occurred, often repetitiously.
- Mental Rituals: Silently repeating words, counting to a specific number, or praying in a precise sequence to “cancel out” a bad thought.
- Ordering and Arranging: Moving objects until they feel “centered” or symmetrical, despite knowing this is logically unnecessary.
- Seeking Reassurance: Constantly asking loved ones for confirmation that they didn’t do something wrong or that a specific event didn’t happen.
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