OCD/Intrusive Thoughts

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), or at least some attributes of OCD, often start becoming more problematic, or simply appearing for the first time, in college.  The changes, new stressors, and new challenges that students face can often trigger, or worsen OCD.  Students entering college have also lost their main, readily accessible supports.  They may have been able to manage symptoms with supportive family, teachers, friends.  Now they are starting over and students may caught off guard by how problematic symptoms may start to be. 

What is OCD?

OCD causes severe anxiety and is linked with obsessions (intrusive thoughts) and compulsions (an action or thought used to combat and neutralize the thoughts).  Most people identify with OCD as someone who washes their hands several times in a row.  Or checking to make sure electricity is off or doors are locked before they can go anywhere or go to sleep.  This is not just a check and double check.  The checking or washing can take several minutes or longer and really interferes with the person's quality of life. 

What are Intrusive Thoughts?

An intrusive thought is unwelcome, persistent, and can not be easily ignored. It often causes great distress to the person having them and interferes in their daily activities. People can have intrusive thoughts without having OCD.