Learn some broad facts about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
Last post we talked about 5 different categories of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder or OCD. These categories are classified by specific triggers and the compulsions that accompany them. We also briefly talked about some possible examples of these types of OCD. This post we are going to look at some broader symptoms and facts of OCD.
Here are a couple of quick facts about OCD!
- OCD affects men and women equally.
- OCD can start at any age. In one third of adult patients the symptoms begin in childhood, adolescence or young adulthood.
- OCD afflicts approximately 2% of the population.
- The untreated symptoms may vary for years. The symptoms may go away, remain the same or worsen.
- Evidence suggests that OCD runs in some families and may be genetically inherited.
- It is not uncommon for a person with OCD to also have clinical depression, panic attacks, or both.
(nationalanxietyfoundation)
- OCD is not liking to collect things or an "obsession" with a celebrity
- OCD symptoms do not include problems with impulse control, such as compulsive lying, shopping, or gambling
(beyondocd)
Something else that we need to know about OCD is its symptoms. We talked briefly about the common symptoms for certain disorders in the last post. But overall OCD is characterized by having Obsessions: unwanted thoughts or ideas that disrupt your daily life and Compulsions: rituals you have to perform in a specific way in response to your obsessions (nimh.nih.gov). These behaviors are not normal and most adults who struggle with OCD know that. Those who have OCD derive no pleasure from their compulsions and the compulsions can take hours and interfere with their daily life (nimh.nih.gov).
Currently, no lab test exists to see if someone has OCD. A mental health professional will likely have a series of diagnostic interviews to determine if someone is struggling with OCD (beyondocd). While symptoms may never go away, with psychotherapy and medication, the symptoms may ease so that the person with OCD can live a relatively normal life (verywellmind). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy are the most common therapies used to treat OCD. Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRI) are the medication found to be the most effective in helping treat OCD (nimh.nih.gov). If you do take medication for OCD, remember that easing of symptoms does not mean cured, you should speak with your doctor and mental health professional before changing or not taking your medication (nimh.nih.gov).
Lastly, we also want to mention that OCD may occur with other mental health disorders. These may include but are not limited to:
- Anxiety
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Bipolar Disorders
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD)
- Feeding/Eating Disorders
If you struggle with any of these as well as OCD make sure to speak with your mental health professional about getting help for each disorder.
If you are struggling with OCD, it doesn't always have to be as severe as it feels right now! It is okay to need help!
If you know someone who is struggling with OCD, the best thing you can do for them is to be supportive. If they need to take medication, you can help them remember. If they are going through a lot of changes or difficult circumstances, remember that stress can be a trigger, be gentle and remind them that they can always try again tomorrow! Also, remember to set healthy boundaries. Sometimes we feel that we have to constantly protect a struggling loved one, but they do have to learn to take care of themselves (iocdf).
Learn More:
1. “Facts about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.” Beyond OCD, Beyondocd.org, beyondocd.org/ocd-facts.
2. “Interesting Facts About OCD.” National Anxiety Foundation, 9 Sept. 2019, www.nationalanxietyfoundation.org/interesting-facts-about-ocd/.
3. Kelly, Owen. “10 Things You Might Not Know About OCD.” Verywell Mind, .Dash, 18 June 2019, www.verywellmind.com/top-ocd-facts-2510674.
4. “Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.” National Institute of Mental Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd/index.shtml.
5. Van Noppen, Barbara, and Michele Pato. “Living With Someone Who Has OCD. Guidelines for Family Members.” International OCD Foundation, International OCD Foundation, iocdf.org/expert-opinions/expert-opinion-family-guidelines/.
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