Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a complicated, confusing and often misunderstood condition. Originally thought to be a form of hysteria, we now understand the struggle of individuals with OCD to be more than just a mental problem. As this condition has matured in scientific literature, so too has our understanding of what and how it affects those who suffer from it.

So what exactly is OCD and how do its behaviors form? Let’s explore.

How Do You Define OCD?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is defined as a mental health disorder that causes uncontrollable, recurring thought patterns and behaviors that can have a substantial impact on the quality of life of an individual. It is characterized by irrational, unwanted thoughts and repeated behaviors aimed at reducing their anxiety-producing effects.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder can be described using two categories: obsessions and compulsions. A person suffers from unwanted thoughts, feelings, ideas, sensations (obsessions), or behaviors that make them feel driven to do something (compulsions). The obsessions and compulsions of OCD can occupy many hours of a person’s day.

Obsessions

Obsession occurs when an individual has persistent and unpleasant thoughts dominating their way of thinking, interrupting other thoughts. Individuals with obsessions are commonly affected by their fears of harming themselves or others, fear of contamination by disease, and a need for symmetry in their lives.

Compulsions

Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that an individual feels driven to perform to reduce the anxiety caused by obsessions. People with OCD may perform their compulsions privately or in front of others; they may also involve other people in their rituals.

Common symptoms of compulsions are when an individual thinks “neutralizing” thoughts to counter obsessive thoughts, avoids places and situations that trigger obsession, and asking for reassurance among other behaviors.

How Do OCD Behaviors Manifest?

Here are some common examples of how OCD behaviors may manifest:

1. Cleaning and Contamination: The fear of contamination or germs may lead to excessive cleaning or hand-washing. For example, individuals with OCD may repeatedly wash their hands, take long showers, or clean their house excessively.
2. Checking: Individuals with OCD may check things repeatedly, such as checking if the door is locked or if the oven is turned off, in order to prevent harm or avoid negative consequences.
3. Counting: People with OCD may count repeatedly, either out loud or in their head, or engage in other repetitive behaviors, such as tapping or touching objects in a specific order or pattern.
4. Orderliness and Symmetry: Individuals with OCD may feel compelled to arrange objects in a particular order or symmetry, or to keep everything in their environment perfectly organized.
5. Intrusive Thoughts: Individuals with OCD may experience unwanted and distressing thoughts, such as thoughts of violence or harm to themselves or others, sexual thoughts, or blasphemous thoughts.

These behaviors can vary in severity and frequency from person to person, and can cause significant distress and impairment in daily functioning. If you or someone you know is struggling with OCD behaviors, seeking professional help from a mental health provider can be beneficial in managing symptoms and improving quality of life.

Understanding OCD Behaviors

OCD behaviors present themselves in both subtle and overt ways, many times without the sufferer realizing that these behaviors are part of a larger problem. People who fail to understand OCD may view the behavior of a person with OCD as being strange or irrational. When this happens, it can worsen an individual’s distress and shame while interfering with treatment efforts.

That’s why it is important to shine a light on Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by learning about its symptoms and spreading awareness so that others can find the help they need.

Psychologist for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Ultimately, we can see how various OCD behaviors are rooted in the same basic mechanisms and cognitive patterns. By understanding what causes these behaviors, it can help us to understand more about OCD itself, how it manifests in so many different ways, and how we can deal with them to reduce their impact on our daily lives.

When OCD symptoms are severe and are not treated properly, those who battle with the disorder are unable to work or have healthy relationships. Get in touch with Dr. Phil Chanin, a Nashville psychologist for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, to improve your quality of life.