Have you ever noticed that you cannot go about your day without performing certain rituals, such as checking your phone repeatedly, arranging everything on your desk in a particular way, or even washing your hands multiple times? These habits, or compulsions, might seem harmless and normal, but they could indicate a mental disorder called obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

What is OCD?

OCD is a mental disorder characterized by uncontrollable, persistent, and unwanted thoughts, images, or urges, also called obsessions, that lead to repetitive actions or behaviors, also called compulsions, to ease anxiety or discomfort.

OCD can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or cultural background. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), OCD affects about 1% of U.S. adults, which translates to about 2.2 million people.

What are the Symptoms of OCD?

OCD can manifest in different ways, but the most common symptoms include:.

Excessive cleaning or washing, often to the point of injury or skin damage;
Repeating certain words, phrases, or prayers silently or out loud;
Checking and rechecking the same things over and over, such as locks, appliances, or body parts;
Hoarding, collecting, or arranging objects to make them symmetrical or in a specific order;
Counting or calculating in a certain pattern and becoming distressed if interrupted or unable to finish;
Having intrusive and taboo thoughts about harming oneself or others, having a sexual or religious nature, or being responsible for preventing harm or disasters.

The symptoms of OCD can be persistent, time-consuming, and interfere with daily life, work, school, relationships, and self-esteem.

People with OCD may feel ashamed, embarrassed, or afraid to talk about their symptoms, which can lead to isolation and depression.

What Causes OCD?

The exact causes of OCD are unknown, but researchers believe that a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors may play a role.

Some studies have identified certain brain circuits and neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine, and glutamate, that may be involved in OCD. Other studies have found that some infections, streptococcal infections in particular, may trigger or worsen symptoms of OCD, especially in children and adolescents.

Can OCD be Treated?

OCD is a treatable condition, and several options are available, depending on the severity and type of symptoms. The most common treatments include:.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which involves identifying and challenging the negative thoughts and beliefs that fuel OCD, and gradually exposing the person to the feared situations or stimuli while preventing them from performing the compulsive behavior. CBT can be done individually or in groups, and has shown to be effective in reducing or eliminating OCD symptoms, improving functioning, and preventing relapse.
Medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which increase the levels of serotonin in the brain and can reduce anxiety, depression, and OCD symptoms. SSRIs may take several weeks to achieve the full effect and may have side effects such as nausea, dizziness, and sexual dysfunction. Other medications, such as clomipramine, may also be prescribed for OCD.
Other therapies, such as exposure and response prevention (ERP), which is a form of CBT that focuses specifically on exposure to the feared stimuli and preventing the compulsive behavior. ERP can be done in vivo, which means in real-life situations, or imaginal, which means through visualization or virtual reality.

Conclusion

If you suspect that you or a loved one may have symptoms of OCD, it is important to seek professional help and support. OCD is not a character flaw, a weakness, or a choice, but a mental disorder that can affect anyone.

By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatments of OCD, we can break the stigma, dispel the myths, and promote a culture of empathy, acceptance, and recovery.