Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder is characterized by recurring, unreasonable thoughts and fears (obsessions) that result in odd, repetitive behaviors (compulsions).
If you suffer from OCD, you may not realize that your obsessions are not reasonable. You may also notice that ignoring them or trying to stop them only increases your distress and anxiety. Therefore, performing these compulsive acts is the only thing that eases your stressful feelings, however temporarily. Since the bothersome thoughts and urges still return, this leads to ritualistic behavior and the vicious cycle that defines OCD.
OCD Signs and Symptoms
Obsessions associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder usually follow common themes, otherwise referred to as OCD types. Some examples include: fear of contamination, the need to have things orderly and symmetrical, hoarding, aggressive thoughts about harming yourself or others, and other unwanted thoughts that could involve violence, religious experiences, or be sexually related. These could result in some common signs and symptoms, such as:
- Fear of being contaminated by shaking hands or touching objects others have touched
- Intense doubt that you have locked a door or turned off the oven or stove
- Great stress when objects aren’t orderly or facing a certain direction
- Mental images of hurting yourself or someone else
- The inability to discard useless or worn-out possessions
- Thoughts about acting inappropriately, such as shouting obscenities in a public place
- Avoidance of situations that can trigger obsessions, such as shaking hands
- Distress about unpleasant sexual images repeating in your mind
A result of the obsessions, OCD compulsions usually follow a similar pattern as well. If you have OCD, you may make up rules or rituals that help control your anxiety temporarily. Some examples of typical compulsions caused by OCD obsessions might be:
- Washing and cleaning – commonly the hands, and so often that it causes your skin to become raw
- Checking things repeatedly – like doors to make sure they’re locked, or appliances like the stove to make sure it’s turned off
- Counting – usually in certain patterns
- Demanding reassurances
- Vocal repetition – under the breath or silent repetition of a prayer, word, or phrase
- Extreme orderliness – this goes farther than being neat; it generally causes you to engage in activities such as arranging your canned goods so that all of the labels are facing the same way
Typically, obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms will begin gradually and will vary in severity throughout your life. In general, symptoms might worsen at times whenever you are experiencing more stress. Because OCD is considered a life-long disorder, it can potentially become so severe that it becomes a disability.
OCD Risk Factors
There are some factors that might increase your risk of developing obsessive-compulsive disorder. For example, if your family has a history of OCD, you have a greater chance of developing the disorder yourself. Also, if you experience traumatic or stressful life events or if you just react strongly to stress in general, your risk for OCD may be higher. Research shows that for some reason, extreme stress can trigger intrusive thoughts, rituals, and emotional distress—all characteristic of OCD.
OCD Diagnosis
OCD is a term used very loosely today to describe certain personality types, but it is important to understand that there is a big difference between being a perfectionist and having OCD. If you have OCD, you don’t simply worry excessively about real problems in your life. If you like to keep your house extremely clean or like to have things arranged in a certain way, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you have OCD. Only when your obsessions and compulsions begin to affect your quality of life should you see you doctor about your condition. Even if you are ashamed or embarrassed, diagnosing your disorder is the first step in seeking treatment.
OCD Treatments
Once you’re diagnosed, you might be referred to an obsessive-compulsive disorder treatment center that specializes in treating your condition. Although there is no cure for obsessive compulsive personality disorder, working with specialists and finding the right treatments can help you get to the point of controlling your symptoms so they won’t rule your daily life. The two most common treatments for OCD are psychotherapy and medications, and usually they are used in conjunction for the most effective treatment.
Psychotherapy is the treatment of a mental disorder by psychological rather than medical means. For someone with OCD, the most effective use of this treatment is through “ERP,” a type of therapy that works through exposure and response prevention. In other words, ERP involves gradually exposing you to a feared object or obsession, such as dirt, and it helps you to learn healthy ways to cope with your response and anxiety. This kind of therapy can be taxing, but learning to manage your obsessions and compulsions can be extremely beneficial to your quality of life.
Certain psychiatric medications can also help control OCD. Usually, antidepressants are the most effective. Some medications for OCD that have been approved by the FDA include: Clomipramine (Anafranil), Fluvoxamine (Luvox CR), Fluoxetine (Prozac), Paroxetine (Paxil), and Sertraline (Zoloft). There are other off-label antidepressant and antipsychotic medications to treat OCD as well.
OCD Lifestyle Tips
Although obsessive-compulsive disorder is a long-term condition that can result in many challenges and frustrations, there are ways to cope with your disorder.
- Educate yourself.
Learning about your condition will give you healthy expectations about OCD, prevent you from running into any surprises or disappointments. This can motivate you to stick to your treatment plan. - Join a support group.
Knowing that there are other people who go through the same struggles can serve as a reminder that you aren’t alone. - Learn how to relax.
There are many stress management techniques, such as deep breathing, mediation, yoga, and muscle relaxation, that can keep your anxiety from spiraling out of control. - Make healthy lifestyle choices.
Finding a hobby or recreational activity that you enjoy can be a positive way to channel your energy. Eating healthy, regularly exercising, and getting adequate sleep can make treatment more effective. - Stick to your routine.
Don’t let OCD get in the way of your life. Spend time with family and friends, and go to work or school as you normally would. - Focus on goals.
Learning how to live with OCD is a long and difficult process. Keep yourself as motivated as possible by keeping your recovery goals in mind at all times.
