What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, otherwise known as OCD is a mental health condition characterised by two main components: obsessions and compulsions.
- Obsessions: These are unwanted, intrusive, and distressing thoughts, images, or urges that repeatedly come into a person’s mind. These thoughts often cause anxiety or discomfort. Common obsessions include fears of contamination, concerns about safety, a need for symmetry or order, and disturbing or aggressive thoughts.
- Compulsions: Compulsions are repetitive behaviours or acts that a person feels driven to perform in response to their obsessions. These actions are often aimed at reducing the anxiety or discomfort caused by the obsessions. Common compulsions include excessive hand washing, checking locks or appliances repeatedly, counting, repeating words or phrases, and arranging objects in a specific way.
OCD can significantly interfere with a person’s daily life and functioning. It is classified as an anxiety disorder, as the obsessions and compulsions are often driven by anxiety or the need to alleviate anxiety.
What causes Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
OCD often stems from a ‘what if’ scenario, typically rooted in a thought or belief that originated in childhood or adolescence. These beliefs revolve around themes of protection, control, coping, superstition, or fear.
Essentially, OCD behaviours are developed as a response to a perceived need to prevent something from going wrong. They may have originated from a traumatic event when something did go wrong. If OCD develops in adulthood, it is often triggered by a situation where you were given responsibility, and something went amiss. In that moment of trauma, you may have felt responsible or simply bad about the situation, leading to the formation of preventative rituals like checking.
Most OCD cases start in childhood or adolescence due to feelings of helplessness or a lack of control. In response, individuals create rituals based on superstitious beliefs, such as ‘If I do this, everything will be okay.’ These beliefs can originate from a child’s imagination, suggestions from friends, or a belief that luck is the only hope in a traumatic situation.
All OCD behaviours, regardless of how exhausting they may be for the sufferer, originally serve a positive intent, such as seeking luck, control, or a coping mechanism to reduce anxiety. However, it’s important to note that all OCDs can be overcome by challenging and changing the thought processes that support the disorder.
Overcoming Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
While you may no longer wish to sustain your compulsive behaviours, you might still see them as sources of relief and control. However, allowing any element of positivity about your OCD to linger can hinder your path to recovery. Therefore, it is essential to shift your perspective and counter any arguments that try to justify unacceptable behaviours.
Recognise that the behaviours you once believed gave you control in the past actually control you today and in the future. View your OCD for what it truly is—an abusive partner. It holds you back, inhibits your freedom, and saddens your family and friends to see you controlled by it.
Identifying the origins of your OCD can be an effective way to address your compulsions and rituals, especially if you challenge the starting point and question whether the reasons for your OCD behaviour still apply. You may find it helpful to use a timeline to assist in this process.
You might know that you no longer want to engage in OCD behaviours but fear letting them go. In this case:
Create a pros and cons list, evaluating the evidence for your OCD. Challenge the necessity of your OCD behaviour based on these key points:
- Consider whether you have ever met anyone pleased to have OCD. If not, why not? Why is OCD behaviour not recognised as an effective way to counteract problems in the real world?
- Reflect on how your OCD began. Did it start in childhood? Was it triggered by a specific event?
- Once you identify the event, ask yourself, “What did I believe in that moment?” “What was the perceived benefit of my OCD behaviour at the time?” “Does it still apply?”
- Next, ask yourself, “Did it work?” “Did it bring good luck?” “Did it keep bullies away?” “Did it stop my parents from arguing?” and so on.
- Consider whether it still works today. Does it make you happy? If the answer is no, then acknowledge that the underlying belief is not true, and your OCD serves no purpose other than causing misery to you and others.
- If your OCD originated in childhood, consider that you are now an adult taking guidance from a child. How would you feel telling friends and family that you base your life on a child’s advice?
- Lastly, ask yourself if, as an adult, you would ever believe in something you knew was entirely untrue. The belief that OCD can protect you is false. Choose to examine the facts to regain control and lead the happy life you deserve.
When we take on OCD behaviours, we often lose the concept of normality, and no longer know what is or isn’t a normal behaviour. For example, how often is it normal to wash your hands? Do not be afraid to ask a loved one for support and guidance at this time.
