OCD Symptoms: The Explanation Behind Thoughts and Behaviors
“Did you remember to turn the oven off?”
You ask yourself this question for the third time, despite already checking that it is turned off. With a sigh, you jump out of bed yet again and rush to the oven, only to see that every dial, every button, even the clock, is turned to “off.” As you head back to bed, you wonder if this thought will leave you alone and allow you to finally get some sleep.
You are not alone in your feelings – 2.5 million people are affected by OCD in the United States. The symptoms of OCD can cause havoc in your life, keeping you from the people and places you love.
Clean Recovery Centers offers solace in a welcoming environment for you to begin learning to manage your OCD. Let’s talk about OCD symptoms and what you (or your loved one) can do to find relief.
OCD Uncovered: What You Need to Know
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a lifelong mental health condition in the anxiety disorder category. It is defined as experiencing obsessions that lead to compulsions. Obsessions come in the form of intrusive thoughts, images, or sensations that are unwanted and cause anxiety. The result is acting out a compulsion – a repetitive behavior or ritual. The person will not feel relief until the compulsion is completed. However, this is short-lived until the next obsession comes along.
OCD symptoms can come and go and many will find they have triggers that cause their symptoms to flare. With medication and therapy, OCD is completely manageable and symptoms can become less and less severe over time.
Spotting the Signs: A Deep Dive into OCD Symptoms
The main symptoms of OCD are within the two categories of the disorder: obsessions and compulsions. Though one leads to the other, both have a unique set of symptoms that are all their own. Let’s break down the difference between obsessions and compulsions and the symptoms to watch out for.
Obsessions Explained: The Uncontrollable Thoughts of OCD
Obsessions begin with an uncontrollable thought that comes into your mind. These thoughts are typically from a certain category such as fear, uncertainty, lack of balance, or aggression. The person does not have control over the thought and it can happen at any time. However, some will experience a trigger, such as touching something “dirty” when they have a fear of dirt or contamination. When the thought or trigger occurs, the person begins to obsess about it, causing anxiety. Feelings of panic and fear ensue, which can lead to symptoms similar to a panic attack. These include:
- Rapid heartbeat
- Sweating
- Chest pain
- Trembling
- Dizziness
The only way for the person to stop these symptoms is by acting out a behavior or ritual that will “fix” the obsession. The anxiety they feel may lessen and worsen in waves until the compulsion is completed, or it may go away altogether in those who have developed coping skills to manage obsessions.
Compulsions Defined: The Actions Behind OCD
Compulsions are the behaviors that follow obsessions that help alleviate anxiety. For the person who has a fear of germs, touching something dirty results in the compulsion of having to wash or clean their hands at that moment. Having to complete the compulsion is not typically pleasurable, but after it is done, there is a temporary relief in anxiety. Compulsions are performed to prevent something bad from happening.
Typically, compulsions occur in categories related to obsessions. The compulsion to clean and check things is related to fear and uncertainty. Counting and keeping things in a certain order is related to a lack of balance. Compulsions related to these categories include:
- Checking doors multiple times to ensure they are locked
- Cleaning the same area over and over, possibly causing damage to the material
- Counting steps, tiles, number of strokes brushing hair, and other patterns for comfort
- Arranging furniture repeatedly until it feels “right”
- Asking for reassurance from others regularly (especially in children)
Though rare, some people experience compulsions without having an obsession drive them. They may have similar symptoms as someone with OCD but not fit the full criteria for a diagnosis.
Anxiety may be felt during compulsions at first, but once the act is complete it tends to dissipate. Those with OCD are self-aware, meaning they understand that obsessions and compulsions are not conducive to their life and are more willing to seek treatment options.
Recognizing When to Seek Help for OCD
OCD is more than the occasional worry or habitual behavior – it is a condition that can disrupt your life in significant ways. When left untreated, OCD symptoms can escalate to the point of severely impairing daily functioning and emotional well-being.
Obsessions can provoke such intense fear or anxiety that you may begin avoiding certain individuals, environments, or situations that you associate with your intrusive thoughts. This avoidance can lead to social isolation and strained relationships, or limit your ability to engage in essential tasks like grocery shopping or attending work meetings.
OCD symptoms can also disrupt job performance by reducing focus, increasing procrastination due to behaviors, or causing absences related to avoidance behaviors or emotional exhaustion. When these disruptions threaten your livelihood, professional intervention is critical.
The importance of recognizing that OCD is affecting your livelihood is the first step toward seeking help. Many effective treatment options are available that can teach you skills to improve your quality of life. The right care will depend on your unique needs and goals, but common approaches include therapies and medications. OCD is a treatable condition, and with the right help, it’s possible to lead a fulfilling and productive life. If you feel that OCD is interfering with your daily functioning, relationships, or overall happiness, reaching out to a mental health professional is a vital step toward healing.
How Experts Diagnose OCD
Diagnosing OCD involves a physical and psychological evaluation by a mental health professional. The first step involves a detailed discussion about symptoms, how long they have been going on, and how they have been affecting your daily life. This will help the doctor understand your background to come to a proper diagnosis.
They will also perform a physical exam to ensure no underlying conditions are contributing to OCD symptoms. Traumatic brain injuries, encephalitis, and Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) can all cause OCD symptoms or contribute to the development of the condition. Your doctor will provide tests to rule these out before confirming your diagnosis.
Lastly, your doctor will administer assessments that help them gauge where your symptoms are on a scale. The Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) is a tool used to measure obsessive frequencies and compulsion tendencies. The Y-BOCS also lists different areas where obsessions and compulsions are felt, helping the doctor narrow down what areas of your life are most affected. This will give them the information needed to provide the proper treatment moving forward.
Getting Help for OCD in Hillsborough County, FL
OCD symptoms can take over your life, but the good news is there are options to get them to a manageable level. OCD treatment will help you learn what triggers your symptoms, why they happen, and how to handle them moving forward. This can be achieved through medication and therapy techniques for stress management. Your OCD doesn’t have to keep you from living your best life – take the first step today.
Don’t let OCD prevent you from moving forward any longer, help is available in beautiful Suncoast, Florida. Clean Recovery Centers offers a full-spectrum mental health program that addresses the unique needs of those living with OCD. Treatment will entail sessions with certified therapists both individually and in a group setting. You will receive a tailored plan that will ensure you accomplish your specific goals. Call us today at (888) 330-2532 to learn more about our mental health treatment options.
Get clean. Live clean. Stay clean.
