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Most of us, at one time or another, have gotten out of bed to check the lock on the front door. We probably have all have wondered, "Did I turn the oven off?" It is perfectly normal to have such thoughts. For some people though, these types of doubts and worries are far from normal. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is often referred to as "The Doubting Disease" because it causes doubts to rage out of control. Certain news programs and movies (i.e. As Good As It Gets) have brought OCD into the spotlight recently. This disorder however, has been plaguing children and adults for hundreds of years.
When most people hear about OCD, they often think about someone who washes his or her hands over and over again. While hand washing is a common symptom, there is much more to this disorder. OCD is a type of anxiety disorder that involves both obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are recurrent, unwanted thoughts, images, or impulses that produce anxiety, while compulsions are repetitive behaviors that are done in an attempt to reduce anxiety.
Common Obsessions Include:
- Contamination fears of germs, dirt, etc.
- Imagining having harmed self or others
- Imagining losing control of aggressive urges
- Intrusive sexual thoughts or urges
- Excessive religious or moral doubt
- Forbidden thoughts or urges
- A need to have things "just so"
- A need to tell, ask, confess
Common Compulsions Include Excessive:
- Checking/questioning
- Touching
- Counting
- Ordering/arranging
- Hoarding or saving
- Praying
Many people who suffer from OCD will describe "getting stuck." This is when something triggers an obsession or compulsion, and the person cannot get past it. To others, it might look like the person is "spacing out" and is inattentive. Actually it is the opposite---the person is too focused. This often causes problems for OCD sufferers at work, school, and home.
Research on OCD has shown it to be a biological disorder, which results in a chemical imbalance in the brain. Since it is biological, OCD is often treated with medication. More often though, a combination of behavioral therapy and medication is recommended for the treatment of OCD.
People who have OCD are often embarrassed about their obsessions and compulsions. Therefore, they usually conceal them and rarely discuss them. The good news is that they are not alone! OCD it more common than was originally thought, and is now shown to affect approximately 2% of the population, or 1 in 50 adults. While the onset of OCD is usually in the later teen years, it often appears earlier, with many symptoms appearing in early childhood.
If you think you, or someone you love, may be suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder, you ca discuss treatment options by calling the stressline at (317) 338-4800.
Disclaimer: This material is intended for the purpose of general education. It is not comprehensive. It will not substitute for the evaluation and intervention of a mental health professional. |
