UNDERSTANDING OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER



What exactly are obsessions?

What are compulsions?

What subject areas do obsessions focus on?

What are the differences between physical and mental compulsions?

What causes Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?

How does Obsessive Compulsive Disorder differ from an Obsessive Compulsive Personality?

Can OCD go away on its own without treatment?

What is the best way to treat OCD?








 What exactly are obsessions?
Obsessions are cognitions (thoughts and/or mental images). These cognitions intrude into a person's mind, often with little or no external stimulation. Obsessions have several problematic characteristics: they are persistent and hard to dismiss, and they occur frequently, in other words, one after another. They are perceived by the person as being foreign or contrary to one's true self. For example, a very gentle-natured woman might obsess about hurting her child, even though it is the least likely thing she would ever do. Most importantly, obsessions create anxiety and they are very distressing.

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What are compulsions?
While obsessions are the beginning of the obsessive compulsive process, compulsions are either physical or mental actions which are designed to neutralize the anxiety caused by obsessions. Compulsions are an attempt to help oneself feel better. However, rather than being helpful, compulsions are actually counter-therapeutic, creating a cycle of increased anxiety.
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What subject areas do obsessions focus on?
Obsessions can pertain to virtually any subject area. Sometimes a person's obsessions can switch from subject to subject. Some common obsessions include:
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What are the differences between physical and mental compulsions?
 All compulsions are contrived by a person to eliminate the anxiety caused by obsessions.

Physical Compulsions are behaviors such as cleaning, washing, checking, touching, superstitious/odd rituals, repeating oneself, doing things methodically/slowly, intentionally avoiding certain stimuli, etc.

Mental Compulsions are cognitive (thinking) activities such as counting, reviewing information or events in order to "remember" exactly how things transpired, prayers/mantras, thoughts designed to "undo" or neutralize disturbing thoughts, etc.
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What causes Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?
 No one knows for certain. However, our most plausible theories strongly suggest that OCD is the result of two processes which act in combination: Back to Top

How does Obsessive Compulsive Disorder differ from an Obsessive Compulsive Personality?
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is a disorder characterized by unwanted obsessive thoughts which produce anxiety, and lead to compulsive behaviors designed to alleviate this anxiety. Obsessive Compulsive Personality is characterized by inflexible, rigid thinking and behavior patterns. People who have obsessive compulsive personalities usually do not experience anxiety. They are usually content with their behavior, and see no reason to change.
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Can OCD go away on its own without treatment?
Sometimes, but rarely. Most of the time, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, left untreated, will progressively get worse.
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What is the best way to treat OCD?
Scientific research has shown that OCD responds best to a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and medication. My clinical experience has proven this to be true as well. Therapies which have not proven successful include psychoanalysis, hypnotherapy, play therapy, supportive/client-centered therapy, insight-oriented therapy, electroconvulsive therapy, nutritional therapy and experiential-type therapies.
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