When we think of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), the image that springs to most people’s minds is one of someone who is obsessed with cleanliness and order, spending hours making sure everything is organised and ‘just so’. But there is so much more to OCD than this stereotypical image, which is why the condition is so often misunderstood and misdiagnosed.
What is OCD?
According to the NHS, OCD can be defined as “a mental health condition where a person has obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours.” Patients with OCD will experience persistent, unwanted intrusive thoughts (obsessions) as well as repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions) that are aimed at reducing the anxiety caused by their obsessions.
Obsessions are distressing, recurrent thoughts, urges, or images, while compulsions are repetitive behaviours or mental acts which an individual will perform to try and mitigate distress. The two elements, obsessions and compulsions, go hand in hand and sufferers will have to battle both to overcome the condition.
How can it impact an individual’s life?
The symptoms caused by OCD can significantly disrupt a person’s daily life and work, as well as their relationships. It can cause shame, stigma, and lead to social withdrawal. OCD can also result in low self-esteem, heightened anxiety, depression, social isolation and functional impairment, along with physical health issues as a result of the compulsive behaviours.
If an individual has a form of ‘purely obsessional’ OCD known as ‘Pure O’, it can be even more misunderstood. Often the compulsions will be carried out internally, so there are not always visible signs to those around them. This means the impact of the condition can be downplayed or put down to ‘personality quirks’ and the person may suffer in silence.
Getting a diagnosis
Obtaining an OCD diagnosis can prove challenging. Symptoms may be misunderstood and often, due to the nature of the obsessions, patients can feel too embarrassed or ashamed to disclose them. To complicate the clinical picture even further, there is also significant comorbidity with other mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety disorders, making diagnosis difficult.
Improved access to treatment is essential to treat OCD effectively, as is better training for healthcare providers and increased awareness in the form of public education campaigns, school programmes and advocacy, to help improve support for those impacted by OCD.
Treatment options
There are a number of treatment options available for patients with OCD, one of the most effective being Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), particularly Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). In addition, there are a range of medications that can help OCD sufferers too, including Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). There are also support groups available and OCD-UK is a useful starting point for information and resources, as well as online support groups. The organisation also runs a parent project to support and guide parents and carers of children with OCD. Techniques such as mindfulness have also proven useful as an effective coping strategy for OCD, as well as psychoeducation.
Whilst opinion is divided as to how treatable OCD is as a condition, it’s worth remembering that people can and do find ways to deal with their OCD. The important thing is accessing the right treatment to help support you in your recovery.
Where to get help?
If you think that you, or someone close to you, may be suffering from OCD, it’s always advisable to seek professional support. Your GP can be a good starting point, as can organisations such as Mind UK or OCD-UK. You can also get in touch with me for further guidance and advice on where to start. The important thing is not to suffer in silence and reach out for help and support.
