OCD: It’s not just handwashing
We’ve all heard it said in passing: “I’m so OCD about…” – but what really is obsessive-compulsive disorder, and what are the consequences of making such a statement?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, is a disorder characterized by obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviour. Obsessions are frequent thoughts, impulses, or images that are intrusive and cause distress or anxiety.
Examples of Obsessions:
Fear of contamination (e.g., germs, dirt, etc.)
Fear of harming self or others
Fear of being responsible for something happening (e.g., a car accident)
Fear of acting on sexual impulses
Fear of death or dying
Compulsions are rituals or routines that an individual engages in to reduce anxiety related to the obsessions.
Examples of Compulsions:
Washing/cleaning excessively or in a particular manner
Checking (e.g., that you did not cause harm or that you turned off the stove)
Repeating (e.g., doing things a certain number of times)
Ordering (e.g., arranging items until anxiety reduces)
Mental compulsions (e.g., praying, counting, or repeating specific words)
In Canada, approximately 1 in 100 people have been estimated to be diagnosed with OCD. It is important to know that the people who do not have OCD may experience obsessions and/or compulsions. What differentiates a person who is diagnosed with OCD and a person who is not is impairment and duration. These obsessions and compulsions must take up more than an hour of someone’s day and cause issues in social, occupational, educational, or other areas of functioning in order to be diagnosed with OCD. In other words – it is normal to want to wash your hands after touching something sticky, but the issue lies when one ruminates about contamination and cannot self-soothe without performing a washing routine.
Using Appropriate Language
It’s important to remember that making statements about “being OCD” or “obsessed” when you are not diagnosed with this disorder can be harmful. Other ways you can communicate how you’re feeling include:
“I am particular about the way I like to organize my desk” rather than “I can be so OCD about the organization of my desk”.
“I prefer to have a clean apartment” rather than “I’m so OCD about my apartment”.
“I love this song and have been listening to it on replay!” rather than “I’m obsessed with this song”.
If your loved one is diagnosed with OCD or is experiencing OCD-like symptoms, it can be helpful to adjust the way we speak to ensure we are not invalidating their experiences. Remember to refer to someone as “my friend who experiences OCD” or “my friend who was diagnosed with OCD” rather than “my OCD friend”. People are more than just their diagnoses!
Potential Therapeutic Treatments
While there are many potential treatment options for individuals who are diagnosed with OCD or experience OCD-like symptoms, the most effective treatments are cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) or a related therapy called exposure and response prevention (ERP). There are also other therapies that may be effective at treating OCD, such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).
CBT targets OCD by identifying, challenging, and changing unhelpful thought patterns (obsessions). By changing the way we think, cognitive-behavioural theorists believe that our emotions (the anxiety in this case) and behaviours (compulsions) change as a result.
ERP addresses OCD by helping individuals confront their fears (obsessions) without engaging in rituals (compulsions) to reduce the anxiety. The goal is to discover that there is nothing to fear, and the anxiety reduces as a result!
ACT emphasizes being present in the moment and aims to teach individuals to accept their fears and/or obsessions. ACT uses mindfulness-based strategies to help individuals commit to changing their behaviour and adjust their relationship with their thoughts and feelings.
What Now?
Now that you know more about OCD, what can someone do to help lessen their symptoms?
Start with a free consultation with one of our qualified therapists to see if we’re the right fit for you!
While engaging in individual therapy is one way to address your OCD, virtual couples counselling or online family therapy are additional ways to help you and your loved ones navigate your diagnosis.
Start your healing journey today and bounce back!
