OCD

What is OCD?

OCD stands for obsessive-compulsive disorder. Doctors characterize OCD as unwanted or incessant recurring thoughts or a drive to do repetitive activities. Examples of OCD behaviors include handwashing, checking on things, or counting. 

What are the hallmark symptoms of OCD?  

OCD causes you to experience obsessive thoughts, compulsive behaviors, or combinations of both of these symptoms. Examples include: 

Compulsions

With compulsions, you might have strong urges to complete specific behaviors to relieve anxiety connected to obsessive thoughts. You may repeatedly wash your hands, rearrange the cups in your cabinet, have extreme orderliness in your home, or constantly re-check for locked doors. 

Obsessions 

Obsessions lead to repeated thoughts or urges that contribute to anxiety. Your obsession may include fear of dirt or germs or a need for items to be organized in symmetrical patterns. 

OCD behaviors are different from habits. With OCD, anxiety, fear, or triggers cause you to behave or act a certain way. 

OCD can make daily life hard and interfere with your job, relationships, and everyday activities.

What are examples of OCD thoughts and behaviors?

People with OCD may struggle with the following:

• Fear of contamination 
• Religious thoughts or fears
• Extreme worry 
• Concern with order or precision
• Disturbing sexual thoughts
• Fear of losing something important
• Repeated words, sounds, or phrases

A person with OCD may repeatedly clean, order things in a particular way, check locks, seek approval, or count repetitively. 

When should I seek help for OCD?

People often first develop OCD behaviors in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood. Many people with OCD know that their thoughts and behaviors aren’t quite in line with reality. They may recognize that they do or think unreasonable and irrational things. This realization can stress them out more because they can’t control their thoughts. 

Not all people with OCD think that their thoughts or behaviors are abnormal. They feel that there is some reality behind their obsessive thought patterns and actions. 

How do you diagnose OCD?

At your first telehealth meeting, Dr. Ibeh does a thorough psychiatric evaluation. She learns about your thoughts, behavior patterns, and feelings and how they may interfere with your work, relationships, and daily life.

It’s possible to have regular distressing thoughts or repeated behaviors, but they are only a mental health issue if they interfere with your day-to-day life. 

How do you treat OCD?

OCD treatment usually includes talk therapy and behavior change. You learn to manage obsessive thoughts and triggers and gradually shift your behavior so you engage in healthier habits. Medication is also sometimes part of your OCD treatment plan. 

If you or a loved one finds that OCD interferes with life, contact Salient Health and Wellness today. Use this website or call to request a virtual appointment.