Obsessive Compulsive Disorders OCD

Think Do you ever leave the house and think “dammit did I lock the door”? Do you ever go upstairs and think “I must go check I definitely turned the cooker off”… Would you say the above are examples of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours?

Facts Obsessive compulsive disorder is much more distressing affecting 2 % population it is a very distressing disorder and will interfere with your daily functioning.

Complete the questionnaire How many have you ticked yes? Keep the test – we will look at it again in a moment to decide on examples of different types of OCD

Obsessions Obsessions are persistent and recurring thoughts, ideas, images or impulses that seem irrational but intrude the mind. A common example is an obsessive thought about contamination of germs.

Compulsions These are the repetitive behaviours and rituals that the individual feels compelled to perform to reduce the anxiety caused by the obsessive thought. For example They may feel compelled to wash their hands 100 times a day, sometimes with abrasive cleaners to reduce anxiety of contamination.

Sometimes About 20% of people with OCD only have the obsessions – and these obsessive thoughts are often concerned with causing harm to a loved one.

Read the following Janet, a homemaker, has become overwhelmed with thoughts of forgetting things. She constantly checks to see if she has locked her car doors. It takes her up to fifteen minutes and multiple checks to be able to park her car and get to her destination. Recently, she has started leaving work in the middle of the day to check her car locks. These rituals have grown more time consuming, and Janet worries that her actions are beginning to affect her life negatively.

Read the following Charles, an artist, has trouble throwing anything away. Over the years, he has collected baseball cards, magazines, newspapers, and other items. His apartment is so cluttered that he has a hard time walking through it. Sometimes he finds himself saving junk mail and other things he knows he will never need. The thought of throwing these things out makes Charles anxious, although he worries that eventually there will be no space for him to live comfortably.

Read the following Andrew, a nurse, is obsessed with germs. His profession dictates that he wash his hands routinely, but Andrew often washes his hands seventy-five times a day. He is terrified of getting sick, and working in a hospital leaves him plagued with thoughts of deadly contamination. When he arrives home from work, he takes off his clothing in the laundry room. He believes he is contaminated, and for this reason he spends over an hour in the shower before relaxing in his home.

Checkers Checkers feel compelled to check objects such as door locks and “off” settings on household appliances. They live with an excessive, irrational fear that harm will be brought to themselves or others because of a failure to check and recheck things. They often visualize horrific catastrophes in which they are to blame for a lack of responsibility. Checkers often develop elaborate checking rituals that make it difficult for them complete daily tasks. Washers and Cleaners Washers and cleaners have an irrational fear of contamination. They compulsively avoid potential contaminants. They have obsessions regarding disease spread by dirt, germs, viruses, and foreign substances. They live with the constant dread of becoming contaminated or contaminating others. Washers and Cleaners often wash and clean their hands, clothes, and houses countless times a day, though they never feel clean or “safe” from contaminants. Orderers Orderers are focused on arranging things in the “right” way. Often, they must organize things in an exact, particular, or “perfect” way before beginning daily tasks. They become extremely distressed if their things are moved, touched, or rearranged. Obsessionals Obsessionals experience unwanted, intrusive and horrific thoughts and images of causing harm to others. Many Obsessionals engage in repetitive thoughts such as praying, counting, or repeating certain words, in order to counteract their disturbing thoughts. Hoarders Hoarders collect insignificant items and have difficulty throwing away things most people would consider to be of no value. Hoarders often have chaotic living environments as a result of their extensive collections.

The difference between Obsessions and compulsions…. An obsession is an unwanted thought whereas a compulsion is an act driven to reduce the anxiety associated with the thoughts.

Symptoms of OCD Intense and irrational feelings of fear and anxiety, which may be a severe panic attack Avoidance behaviour – where the person may engage in extreme and complicated behaviours In order to avoid the object or situation that causes the panic attacks OCD have a gradual onset or may happen very quickly as a result of a particular experience

Diagnosis for OCD Either Obsessions or compulsions are present on most days of the week for a period of at least two weeks The obsessions or compulsions cause distress and interfere with the individuals daily functioning (time wasting) The O or C are not the result of other mental disorders or mood disorders.