We Need To Talk (Seriously) About OCD

Many of us like to keep things neat and tidy. We take great pride in organisation and love it when things have a set place. From time to time, we may even become stressed by the thought of things becoming disorganised and displaced. While it’s not uncommon for us to have anxiety over this, it’s nothing compared to the despair that those who suffer from OCD feel.  

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OCD is a debilitating mental health problem. The World Health Organisation ranks it in the top 10 disabling illnesses (both mental and physical) in terms of lost earnings and diminished quality of life. Despite the very apparent challenges for those who suffer from OCD, it is astonishing that the illness remains one of the most misunderstood and trivialised conditions.

It does not help that OCD is frequently joked about in the cultural zeitgeist. 'I'm so OCD' or 'I'm a bit OCD about that' has become shorthand for 'I like things to be clean' or 'I like things in the right order.' It is fairly common for comedians to joke about OCD as part of their set, and we've all seen a picture on social media of some slightly misaligned objects with the caption, 'This is sending my OCD crazy'. We need to call that out! On average, it takes OCD sufferers over 10 years before they seek help, and that needs to change. 

It’s important to talk seriously about OCD and the effect it can have on those who suffer from it, as well as their families. 

OCD stands for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. It is a mental health disorder that’s characterised by recurring, unwanted thoughts, ideas, or obsessions that drive someone to do something repetitively and compulsively. These repetitive behaviours - which can include hand washing, checking on things or (perhaps most famously) excessive cleaning - can significantly affect an individual's life and interfere with their daily activities. They can also put potential strain on their relationships with loved ones; these urges often lead to feelings of being out of control and can often be overwhelming and distressing. However, there’s hope, as there are several successful treatments out there for OCD, which include talking therapy with a medical professional and tailored medicines. 

When it comes to symptoms of OCD, they can be divided into two main categories: obsessions and compulsions. Most behaviours or OCD actions can fall into one of these categories.

At some point, most people experience unpleasant thoughts or unwanted feelings, whether that’s thinking that you have left your car unlocked or visualising a scary image. However, if these thoughts are persistent you may be exhibiting obsessive behaviours. Obsessions are intrusive and unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that cause significant anxiety or distress. Obsessive behaviours are one of the main OCD symptoms. Examples of obsessive behaviours include:

Fear of contamination by disease, infection or otherwise unpleasant substances. This can culminate in anxiety around dirt, mess, germs, getting sick or making others sick. 

An overwhelming need to arrange objects in a particular way or insist that everything be ‘just right.’ For example, remote controls need to be straight and facing the ‘correct’ way. 

Fears about causing harm to yourself or others. Mental images of hurting someone can often accompany this.

A less commonly known symptom is overly focusing on religious beliefs or moral ideals, such as fear of offending God or concern over morality. 

Another less-known symptom involves taboo thoughts, which can include thoughts about subjects like sex, violence, or harm.

Compulsions start as a way to alleviate the anxiety and stress that’s felt from obsessive behaviour. However, in reality, these behaviours are not connected and are usually excessive. One of the best-known examples of this is when a person suffering from OCD is frightened of contamination or germs; they will repeatedly and vigorously wash their hands. Examples of compulsive behaviours include: 

Excessive hand washing, showering, or cleaning objects.

Ensuring things are arranged in a precise way, and becoming distressed if this process is disrupted. 

Urges to repeat certain speech, phrases or prayers. 

Repeatedly checking things, whether that be checking to see that a door is locked or checking that electronic appliances are switched off. 

Urge to hoard items and not throw things away. 

OCD symptoms can be categorised into two different types of behaviour. However, medical experts suggest that OCD symptoms can be broken down even further. They advise that OCD can be categorised into four distinct components: contamination and washing, ordering and arranging, doubt and checking, and unacceptable or taboo thoughts.  

As with any mental health disorder, there is no root cause of the condition. With that being said, there are certain factors which may put someone at greater risk of developing OCD. These may include:

If you have a parent or a family member who suffers from OCD, then you have a 20-50% chance of developing OCD yourself. 

Experiencing traumatic or stressful life events can heighten your risk of developing OCD. These events can trigger intrusive thoughts, repetitive behaviours, and the emotional turmoil that’s characteristic of the disorder.

OCD often coexists with other mental health issues, such as anxiety disorders, depression, substance abuse, or tic disorders. These conditions can complicate diagnosis and treatment, making a comprehensive approach (including advice from a medical professional) essential for effective management and reduction of symptoms.

While we may be aware of OCD in parenthood, it is not as well known that OCD in children can be quite common too. OCD in children may seem harmless at first. For example, they may feel that they need to wear a certain item of clothing for fear of bad luck. However, as the child gets older, the condition can worsen and put a strain on their social ability and everyday activities. 

While every child is technically at risk of developing OCD, if the child has parents with OCD, this may help to signify their vulnerability to the condition. If a child has one parent with OCD, there is a 15-20% chance they will have OCD too. If both parents have OCD, they will have a 50% chance of developing OCD. Another factor to consider is what age children usually start exhibiting OCD symptoms. Children usually start OCD behaviours between the ages of three and seven. 

People suffering from OCD can face significant challenges in their everyday lives. One of the biggest challenges OCD sufferers face is the strain it puts on their relationships. People with OCD can sometimes have intrusive and persistent thoughts about a specific person, and this can cause problems within a serious or intimate relationship. Other ways that OCD can put a strain on relationships include: 

Partners may struggle to understand the urgency or necessity of certain rituals, which can lead to conflict. Similarly, the partner may struggle to communicate how the OCD symptoms affect their own feelings and general well-being. 

Carrying out OCD rituals can be time-consuming and may interfere with daily activities. This can put a strain on relationships because the party in the relationship who doesn’t suffer from OCD may feel they do not get enough attention and time with their partner. 

OCD can also affect physical and emotional intimacy. Obsessions related to contamination, for instance, may make physical closeness challenging.

Compulsions might lead to significant financial strain. For example, excessive purchasing of cleaning products or, on the other end of the spectrum, a need to hoard money and never spend it. 

The stress of managing OCD symptoms can be emotionally draining for both the person with OCD and their loved ones. This can result in feelings of helplessness, resentment or guilt.

According to the 2010 Equality Act, OCD is classified as a disability in the UK if it has a long-term and substantially adverse effect on a person's day-to-day activities. OCD is usually classified as long-term if the condition has been ongoing for the last 12 months, will last for at least another 12 months, and is likely to recur. OCD is usually considered to have substantial adverse effects, which make daily activities difficult. This can include difficulty concentrating and issues with keeping up with professional and social activities. 

If you do suffer from OCD, there are numerous treatment options, so there is no need to suffer in silence. Before undertaking any treatment you should always consult with a medical professional. Treatment for OCD usually starts with some form of OCD test which helps to establish the best forms of treatment for the individual. 

One of the main forms of treatment is psychological therapy, usually cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). CBT helps individuals to face obsessive thoughts without following through on the compulsions. 

Another form of treatment is medicine. Medicines prescribed usually include some form of antidepressant called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These medicines can help by altering the balance of chemicals in your brain.

If you’d like to learn more about OCD and other forms of psychology from Centre of Excellence, you can access our Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Awareness course now for the discounted price of £29.00 (instead of £127!). If you have any further questions, please contact us today.