Shining a light on Understanding OCD

People make up myths about OCD, saying that "everyone has a bit of OCD '' when, in reality, they do not. There are many types of OCD, and many people don't know that there could be multiple types.

OCD is a mental disorder characterized by unpleasant thoughts, which are called obsessions. These obsessions are uncontrollable and can lead to repetitive behaviors that are called compulsions. Someone’s compulsions can interfere with daily life, which causes distress in various areas such as school, work, and social relationships. For example, if someone is washing their hands repeatedly if they have a fear of germs, it could be time-consuming, which would be an interference. These obsessions can be time-consuming and, overall, not a pleasant experience. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that OCD is one of the 20 causes of illness-related disability. Only in the United States, 1 in 40 adults and 1 in 100 children have OCD, which shows us how common OCD is. OCD affects people of all races, ages, genders, and other backgrounds.

Scientists or neurologists do not fully understand the exact cause of OCD. It is believed to involve a combination of one's genetics and neurological, environmental, and psychological factors. The way your body works also plays a role in obtaining OCD. Neurotransmitter imbalances may contribute to the development of OCD. Certain personality traits like Perfectionism can put someone at risk of developing OCD. Perfectionism is when there is a need to do everything perfectly and have no tolerance for mistakes. Psychological trauma may also play a role.

How do you know that you have OCD? Symptoms may vary from person to person. Some of the common obsessions related to OCD are fear of contamination, losing someone or something, perfectionism, and overall aggressive and unwanted thoughts. Common compulsions include hand washing and cleaning, ordering and arranging, counting to a perfect number, checking things like the stove, and repeating words. Some symptoms do not fall under the obsession or compulsion category: they cannot control thoughts or compulsion even though they know they are irregular. 

Even though some of these compulsions and obsessions seem minor, they still affect people and lead to significant problems in daily life. Many people with OCD often develop a tic disorder, which could be linked to their compulsions, which could start as a small habit and lead to doing these actions every day. OCD can start in childhood and young adulthood. Symptoms could be minor at times, but later in life, they can be caused to be strong. If OoCD is left untreated, symptoms may become severe.

To reach out to additional resources, check out the National Institute of Mental Health. (NIMH) this website provides more information on OCD, including treatment options and research updates. The International OCD Foundation offers support groups and educational materials for them and their families. Support groups can provide encouragement and connections between OCD patients.