FAQ - OCD

I haven't written anything here for a while now. That was primarily because my OCD has become worse and worse, it is very difficult at the moment. In fact, it's so bad now that I can't even be admitted as an inpatient because I feel so dirty that I would otherwise carry the dirt to the clinic. I'm moving at the end of September and hope that I'll feel a bit more comfortable in the new environment then, because I'll be back in the clinic in November, but more about that in another post.

I started this blog, after all, because I want to educate and raise awareness about my disorder (and mental illnesses in general) and now I've noticed that I've never really done an FAQ about what OCD actually is, so I want to do that now :)

So let's start:

What's OCD/What does OCD mean?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder, shortly ocd, is a common, chronic and long-lasting disorder in which a person has uncontrollable, reoccurring thoughts ("obsession") and/or behaviors ("compulsions") that he or she feels the urge to repeat over and over

What are the symptoms/signs?

People with OCD have symptoms of obsession (also called magical thinking) or compulsion or both. They have no power over it, it is uncontrollable. The symptoms significantly affect the everyday life of the affected person, such as work, school, personal relationships, and cause considerable stress.

Obsessions are repetitive thoughts, urges or mental images that cause anxiety. Common symptoms are:

- Fear of germs and contamination 

- Unwanted forbidden or taboo thoughts, which may revolve around sex, religion, or harming and hurting others, for example 

- Aggressive thoughts directed at others or oneself

- The tormenting thought of wanting to arrange things perfectly or to align them symmetrically 

- etc

Compulsions are repetitive behaviors that a person with OCD feels the urge to do in response to an obsessive thought. Common compulsive behaviors are:

- Excessive hand washing/showering or cleaning.

- Ordering things in a very specific, precise way

- Excessive and repetitive checking, for example, repeatedly checking to see if the door is locked or the oven is off 

- Compulsive counting

At what point do we speak of OCD?

Not all rituals and behaviors are compulsions. Everyone double checks things sometimes. But a person with OCD generally:

- Can't control his or her thoughts or behaviors, even when those thoughts or behaviors are recognized as excessive

- Spends at least 1 hour a day on these thoughts or behaviors (but often it goes far beyond one hour).

- Doesn’t get pleasure when performing the behaviors or rituals, but may feel brief relief from the anxiety the thoughts cause

- Experiences significant problems in their daily life due to these thoughts or behaviors 

Symptoms may come and go, ease over time, or worsen. People with OCD may try to help themselves by avoiding situations that trigger. Although most adults with OCD recognize that what they are doing doesn’t make sense, which clearly distinguishes the disease from psychotic behaviors.

Causes of OCD?

Although OCD has not been fully researched, there are approaches that a mixture of genetics, environmental influences, and neurological factors play a role in the development of this disorder. Additionally, abnormalities and an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, may also contribute to its development. External influences such as stress and trauma can also be a trigger for OCD symptoms. For example, individuals may develop OCD after a traumatic experience, such as abuse or natural disasters. However, it is important to note that although named circumstances may favor the risk of OCD, not everyone who experiences it will develop it.

The stigma of ocd and other mental health conditions 

Despite the widespread prevalence of OCD, there is still a significant stigma surrounding the condition (and mental illness in general). Many people with OCD are ashamed of their symptoms and try to hide them, which can prevent them from seeking help. 

It is important to remember that OCD is a real and treatable disorder and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Interesting OCD statistics and facts 

- Women are more often diagnosed with OCD than men (studies show that while men are usually diagnosed at an earlier age than women, women are more likely to develop more severe symptoms).

- About one-third of those diagnosed also have tic disorders, as well as other mental illnesses, such as panic attacks, depression, etc.

- The most common obsessions include fear of germs/pollution, fear of harm/injury and danger, or unwanted sexual thoughts and ideas 

- The most common compulsions include excessive/excessive hand washing, controlling behaviors, and repeating actions and/or words (please don't confuse this with the behaviors of Tourette's disorder, this is a separate disorder)

- People with OCD often experience significant distress and impairment in their daily lives due to their symptoms

- Often a mixture of medication and therapy shows the desired success and a significant reduction of symptoms 

- Children who are/were exposed to traumatic experiences and/or stressful life circumstances usually have an increased risk of developing OCD

- OCD is a relatively common mental health condition. About 1% of the world's population, that's about 70 million people worldwide, suffer from it (it is important to note that this includes only diagnosed cases, the number including undiagnosed cases is probably much higher). Many people suffer from the symptoms of OCD without seeking help. This is either because they are unaware that they are suffering from a mental illness or they are ashamed of their symptoms and therefore do not seek help.)

- With appropriate treatment, many people with OCD are able to manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives ❤️

❤️ If you feel that you or someone close to you is suffering from OCD (or even other mental illness), please get help. Don't be ashamed of your illness, it is not your fault and you can be helped.