Introduction
"I'm so OCD about my desk." You have probably heard it, or even said it. But real OCD has very little to do with being tidy. It has much more to do with feeling trapped by thoughts you did not choose.
International OCD Awareness Week takes place in mid-October, so let's clear up what OCD is, what it looks like, and how it is treated.
What OCD Really Is
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has two parts. Obsessions are unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that keep coming back and cause distress. Compulsions are behaviors or mental acts you feel driven to repeat to ease that distress.
For example, a person may worry that they left the stove on. Checking once should be enough. With OCD, the doubt returns, and checking becomes a cycle that can take up hours.
OCD is estimated to affect about 1 to 2 out of every 100 adults in a given year. It often begins in childhood, the teen years, or early adulthood.
Common Types and Themes
OCD can show up in many ways. Some common themes include:
-
Contamination: fear of germs or illness, with frequent washing or cleaning
-
Checking: repeatedly checking locks, appliances, or messages
-
Order and symmetry: needing things to feel "just right"
-
Unwanted intrusive thoughts: disturbing thoughts about harm, taboo topics, or religion that go against your values
-
Relationship doubts: constant questioning about whether you truly love your partner
-
Mental rituals: counting, replaying events, or silently reviewing things to feel certain
Having an unwanted thought does not mean you want to act on it. People with OCD are usually deeply upset by these thoughts, which is exactly why they try so hard to get rid of them.
Signs to Watch For
It may be time to look closer if you notice:
-
Rituals or checking that take up a large part of your day, often more than an hour
-
Distress or panic when you cannot complete a ritual
-
Asking others for reassurance again and again
-
Avoiding places, people, or situations that trigger your thoughts
-
Mental rituals that no one else can see
-
Problems at work, school, or in relationships because of these habits
Why OCD Is Often Missed
Many people hide their symptoms out of shame. Others assume it is just anxiety or perfectionism. Some thoughts feel so frightening that people never say them out loud.
It is common for years to pass before someone gets the right diagnosis. The encouraging part is that once OCD is recognized, it is very treatable.
Treatment Options That Work
The most researched therapy for OCD is exposure and response prevention, also called ERP. In ERP, you slowly face a trigger while learning to resist the urge to perform the compulsion. Over time, the fear loses its power.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can also help you understand and change your relationship with your thoughts. Medication, often a type called an SSRI, may be recommended too, either alone or together with therapy.
Many people see meaningful improvement with the right care. You do not have to live at the mercy of your thoughts.
Small Steps You Can Start Today
-
Notice the thought and label it: "This is an OCD thought."
-
Try to delay a compulsion for a few minutes, then a little longer
-
Cut back on asking others for reassurance
-
Protect your sleep and manage stress, which can make symptoms louder
-
Remember that fighting a thought often makes it stronger, and letting it pass is the goal
You Deserve Relief
Living with OCD can be exhausting and lonely. But it is not a character flaw, and it is not something you have to manage alone.
At SiLou Health, our providers support people with OCD, anxiety, and other mental health concerns through telehealth in Florida and in-person and telehealth care in Rhode Island. If you are ready to take the next step, you can browse the insurance plans on our website. Don't see your insurance listed? Give us a call at 401-602-9226 to speak with a specialist who can help.
