If you have OCD, this picture has been reported to be capable of triggering you. OCD, also known as obsessive-compulsive disorder, is a mental and behavioural disorder in which a person begins to develop intrusive thoughts (referred to as obsessions) and feel the urge to carry out certain routines (compulsions). It can have a big impact on a person’s life and cause them to experience unnecessary discomfort.

Causes and Severity

Obsessive-compulsive disorder usually begins when a person is relatively young, typically during their teenage years. While the true causes are not fully understood by scientists, there are many theories and factors that appear to increase the chances of a person having OCD. One of the most well-known is the genetic component, with multiple studies having shown that possessing a family history of OCD significantly increases the chances that you also have OCD. However, specific genes responsible for triggering OCD have not been found. Stressful or traumatic life events have also resulted in a higher chance of the development of OCD.

The severity of OCD highly depends on the person, with symptoms ranging from extremely mild or so severe to the point where it damages the person’s ability to live normally. OCD can have a large impact on your quality of life, and symptoms usually appear to get worse during times of stress. 

Signs and Symptoms

The symptoms and signs for OCD typically can be neatly divided into two categories: obsession and compulsion symptoms. 

Obsession symptoms are typically thoughts that continuously pop back into the brain or urges, both of which cause distress and anxiety. These symptoms typically follow a variety of themes, including the fear of contamination or an obsession with cleanliness, fear of uncertainty, constant swarming of unwanted and strange thoughts, or even aggressive thoughts of harming yourself and losing control of your mind. 

On the other hand, compulsion symptoms are repetitive actions that you perform routinely. These acts are meant to bring relief from anxiety caused by your obsessions, but bring no actual pleasure. While it may temporarily bring you peace, your obsessive thoughts will continue to return without psychological treatment. Examples of compulsion symptoms include constantly cleaning or washing, following strict and unnecessary routines like ensuring that containers face the same way, or checking for things constantly. However, it is important to recognize that having one or two of these symptoms does not mean that you have OCD. However, being obsessed with performing certain rituals can be a sign of OCD.

Possible Treatments

Before reading any further, it is important to recognize that the following methods of treatment are not 100% reliable, and are not guaranteed to cure obsessive-compulsive disorder. 

One of the most prominent treatments is psychotherapy, specifically CBT, or cognitive behavioural therapy. This involves exposing the patient to a feared obsession, which forces them to learn ways to prevent undergoing routines to temporarily curb the obsession. Other methods involve the use of medicine, mostly revolving around antidepressants. Some of the common medicines include Prozac, Luvox, and Paxil. However, the latter method is slightly more risky to younger individuals, as there is a chance of becoming more affected by suicidal thoughts. In the first few weeks after taking antidepressants, children and teenagers become more prone to suicidal behaviour. If this occurs, get emergency help and contact a doctor immediately. 

OCD is a fairly prominent mental illness that has affected many people worldwide. While perhaps less threatening than other ailments, its dangers should not be ignored, and it is important to be able to recognize its symptoms in either yourself or people around you.

References

How is OCD treated?. International OCD Foundation. (2024, December 16). 

https://iocdf.org/about-ocd/treatment/.  

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2023a, December 21). 

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20354432.  

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2023b, December 21). 

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354438. 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2024, December). Obsessive-Compulsive 

Disorder (OCD). National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd.