Obsessive-compulsive Disorder is characterised by excessive thoughts (obsessions) that lead to repetitive behaviours (compulsions). Obsessions and compulsions are the two primary symptoms of OCD.
What are obsessions?
Obsessions¹ can be described as thoughts, images, ideas or urges (for example, to self-harm) that are persistent.
The thoughts intrude uncontrollably on consciousness and, because of that, cause significant anxiety or distress.
The individual tries to ignore or suppress the intrusive thoughts.
What are compulsions?
Compulsions¹ are repetitive behaviours or mental acts that a person feels they must perform.
The individual aims to reduce anxiety or prevent a dreaded event by performing the compulsion. The act is usually excessive.
The obsessions and compulsions are time-consuming and impact the individual’s functioning considerably. It often leads to the person being depressed.
OCD usually begins at a young age for males: 5-16 years. For females, the onset is generally between 20-29 years. OCD tends to be chronic if left untreated. Some people manage to recover with therapy. Medication and talk therapy can help the individual to regain functionality.
Examples of OCD:
- A dreadful fear of causing harm to yourself or others by someone you did or forgot to do.
- Fear of dirt/germs with uncontrollable cleaning and washing.
- There is a need to have everything in your life orderly and symmetrical.
- Doubting and having difficulty tolerating uncertainty.
- Thoughts of aggression against a church or unwanted thoughts about sexual objects.
- The belief is that repeating certain behaviours several times will ward off danger.
Other conditions that are related to OCD are:
- Tourette syndrome – a nervous system disorder involving repetitive movements and sounds.
- Trichotillomania – a recurrent, irresistible urge to pull out body hair.
- Anorexia nervosa – an eating disorder where people obsess about how much they weigh.
- Body morphic disorder – involving obsessive focus on a perceived flawed body image.
- Phobia – a persistent, intense, and unrealistic fear of a particular object or situation.
- Panic attack – a brief episode of intense anxiety which causes the physical sensations of fear.
Obsessive-compulsive Personality Disorder
A disorder that shares features and has a moderately high co-morbidity with OCD is Obsessive-compulsive Personality Disorder. Where individuals with OCD are obsessed with specific thoughts and behaviours, OCPD involves a more general way of interacting with the world.
OCPD is characterised by perfectionism, austerity, a lack of spontaneity and grimness. Individuals with OCD are often workaholics with little or no friends because of their drive to be efficient and follow the rules. They base their self-value on their performance and set unreasonably high goals. For OCPD individuals, flaws, mistakes or defects are intolerable.
Both OCD and OCPD seem to be caused by genetic and heredity factors.
Treatment of OCPD involves supportive therapies that can assist a person in overcoming issues that brought them in for treatment.
¹ Susan Nolen-Hoeksema. Abnormal Psychology. 6th Edition. 2014. McGraw – Hill Education.