OCD: What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and How Can You Deal With It?

If you enjoy having your kitchen spotless or feel the need to clean your room right after someone comes over, you’ve been labeled as having OCD, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. While OCD is often used synonymously with a compulsive need to clean everything around you, there’s more to the disorder than that. OCD is a debilitating mental health condition that can impact a person’s life and relationships. If you think you might have the condition, there are other signs of OCD to look out for besides cleaning.

What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that primarily involves obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are intrusive thoughts or fears that you know are wrong, but you still can’t seem to let go of. Compulsions, on the other hand, are repetitive behaviors that people feel obligated to perform.

It is often misunderstood as a medical condition that is primarily related to the obsession with keeping things clean. People who suffer from OCD often go through emotional turmoil, which results in intrusive thoughts. It is more than just being neat and organized. You can feel helpless and powerless against the irrational demands of your mind that seem illogical to yourself and others, explains psychiatrist Dr. Santosh Bangar.

What is the connection between OCD and cleaning?

OCD is a disorder that causes people to have unwanted thoughts that compel them to repeat certain actions. These actions can include physical behaviors, such as arranging objects in a certain order. Some people believe that completing these actions will help them cope with the anxiety caused by these disturbing thoughts.

A person with OCD may have an obsession with cleanliness, including fear of contamination or illness. To cope with this fear, they repeat the behavior of cleaning or washing excessively. Therefore, compulsive cleaning can become a part of the life of a person suffering from this disorder.

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Symptoms of OCD

This disorder is characterized by the presence of obsessions, compulsions, or both. Some of the most common symptoms of OCD include:

Obsessions

OCD obsessions are persistent, unpleasant thoughts or urges that keep coming back. You may try to ignore them or use ritualistic behaviors to get rid of them. These obsessions usually interfere with your ability to concentrate or perform other tasks because they can be persistent or difficult to ignore. Common themes of obsessions include:

• Fear of contamination
• Doubts about safety or damage
• Need for order or symmetry
• Aggressive or taboo thoughts
• Concerns about moral or religious issues

Obsessions

Repetitive behaviors or mental acts are part of OCD and are often a response to an obsession. They may give the sufferer a sense of relief, but will not help in the future. They can manifest in ways that are beyond reason. You may experience:

• Washing and cleaning
• Wash hands
• Recheck locks or devices
• Count or repeat words
• Arrange items in a specific way

Symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder can fluctuate over time, and stressful events can make them worse. If left untreated, these symptoms will persist and become chronic, so treatment is a must.

Causes of OCD

The exact cause of the condition is not fully known, but some theories suggest that the following factors may lead to the development of OCD:

• Genetics
• Changes in brain function
• Imbalance in the brain’s chemical messengers or neurotransmitters
• Childhood trauma or abuse
• Certain personality traits, such as being too rigid and wanting to be perfect, can trigger OCD
• Unexplained fears and compulsive behaviors can arise from observing someone around you.
• Someone who suffers from a mental disorder such as depression or substance abuse may suffer from OCD.

How can you deal with the symptoms of OCD?

To effectively manage and control the symptoms associated with OCD, a combination of strategies may be necessary, as the expert suggests:

• Lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and nuts.
• Medicines prescribed by the expert to treat the symptoms.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychological treatment that can help control unwanted symptoms.
• Practicing mindfulness can help calm your mind and manage the anxiety caused by OCD symptoms.
• Deep breathing exercises involve focusing on your breathing pattern for more than 5 to 10 minutes without being distracted by other thoughts or feelings. This can help you stay calm, even in stressful and challenging situations.
• Regular exercise of at least 30 to 40 minutes is important to keep your mind calm and keep yourself fit and healthy.
• Make sure you get at least 8 hours of sleep per day to help control the symptoms of this condition.

Also read: How to Overcome OCD: Tips for Coping with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Here are some frequently asked questions answered by Dr. Santosh Bangar:

How does OCD affect someone’s life?

OCD can take a toll on a person’s physical and psychological health. Constantly following these ongoing cycles of obsession and compulsion can increase their mental burden and lead to feelings of irritability, agitation, guilt, sadness, anger, shame, helplessness and depression. It can have a significant impact on their personal and professional lives and disrupt their daily routines. People with this condition often have difficulty maintaining their relationships, leading to exhaustion, Dr. Bangar explains.

What can make OCD symptoms worse?

Symptoms associated with OCD such as becoming hyperactive, social isolation, overthinking, depression, nightmares, being impulsive, repeating the same words over and over again, panic attacks, and constant anxiety can be easily triggered. It would only make the condition worse. There can be several factors that can potentially trigger these symptoms such as stressful situations, sudden trauma, and increased anxiety levels. Mental health conditions such as excessive stress, anxiety, and depression can worsen the symptoms over time.

What are the risk factors that lead to OCD?

Symptoms of OCD and their severity can vary from person to person, and certain factors can significantly trigger these symptoms. Going through difficult and stressful times can affect your overall condition. Drinking alcohol or smoking can disrupt your brain chemicals, making it difficult for people to manage their condition. Not getting the right treatments can worsen your overall health, especially OCD. Major life changes, such as moving to a new city, maintaining a demanding job schedule, and losing loved ones like family or friends can make your condition worse.