OCD is characterized by two main components which are distressing, time-consuming and significantly interfere with normal routines, relationships, or work life. As the name implies, these components are:
Obsessions - Ideas, thoughts, or images which preoccupy a person's thinking and result in significant worry and anxiety.
Compulsions - Behaviors (or even mental acts) which are performed over and over in an attempt to reduce the stress of the obsessions.
Types of OCD
Different presentations of OCD include:
Checking - Primary belief is that they are responsible for the prevention of disasters to themselves or others. As such, these individuals may need to repeatedly make sure that doors are locked and household appliances have been turned off or unplugged.
Washing / Cleaning - Obsessions concern dirt, germs, or viruses. Repeated washing (especially hand washing) is used to temporarily reduce the fear of contamination.
Ordering - Excessive need to place objects in a particular sequence or arrangement. The individual may become extremely distressed if the arrangement is moved or re-ordered.
Pure Obsessional - These individuals experience relentless unwanted thoughts about causing harm to themselves or others. There are no overt behavioral rituals but repetitive thoughts (e.g., counting or specific words) may be used to reduce anxiety.
Religious or Moral Obsession - Thoughts are related to religious or moral shortcomings, are unwanted, cause significant distress, and would be seen as excessive by most people of a similar faith or in a similar environment.
Treatment for OCD
The most common approaches to treating OCD are cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication (the drugs usually belong to antidepressant classification). Often, medication is combined with cognitive-behavioral therapy. On very rare occasions, neurosurgery may be an option.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy can involve:
Ongoing behavioral assessments
Creating and slowly working up an OCD anxiety hierarchy (starting with easy changes, gaining skill and comfort, and then attempting more difficult challenges)
Involving family members as "coaches"
Ritual prevention
Imaginal exposure
Challenging and replacing faulty beliefs and self-talk
If you or someone you know would like to receive help for dealing with OCD (and live in the Halifax area) please feel free to contact me to set up an initial consultation.
