OCD: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a complex mental health condition that often manifests in the form of intrusive and distressing thoughts, accompanied by compulsive behaviors. These symptoms can significantly impact an individual's daily life and overall well-being. To gain a deeper understanding of OCD, it's essential to explore its common symptoms and the diverse ways in which it can present itself.

Unwanted Thoughts

Do you often find yourself stuck in spirals of unwanted thoughts or doing things you don’t want to do? Perhaps you feel the need to repeatedly check, clean, and repeat activities in order to feel less anxious. You might also find yourself spending hours online researching information on internet rabbit holes or asking others - partners, doctors - to reassure you. Perhaps you can’t help repeatedly replaying the same scene over and over in your mind. You might say to yourself, “I just need a break from my mind!”

Urges to Act

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) often presents itself in the form of unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and at times also with urges to act or behaviors (compulsions). These experiences can become so ingrained and automatic that they are interfering with your everyday life. You may have a hard time identifying what you need to be worried about, and what is OCD. You might also reach a point where this anxiety is starting to take away enjoyable things in your life. 

No matter what your experience is, our OCD therapists (who are based in Durham and available for TeleHealth services anywhere in North Carolina and other PSYPACT states) can help you manage triggers, symptoms, and associated thoughts or compulsions. 

Common Symptoms of OCD

Intrusive/Distressing Thoughts and Images: 

OCD often begins with distressing thoughts or images that are unwanted and intrusive. These thoughts can be persistent and distressing, causing significant anxiety.

The Need to Repeat Actions or Thoughts: 

Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed in response to obsessions. These actions are often irrational but are carried out to alleviate anxiety or prevent harm.

Developing Behavioral and/or Mental Rituals: 

Rituals are repetitive behaviors or mental actions that individuals with OCD feel compelled to perform. These rituals can vary widely and may include activities like counting, checking, or praying.

Obsessions Are Time-Consuming: 

OCD can consume a significant amount of an individual's time and energy. Compulsive behaviors and rituals can take up a substantial portion of the day, making it challenging to focus on other activities.

Rituals Can Interfere with Other Aspects of Life: 

The compulsions associated with OCD can interfere with daily functioning, work, relationships, and overall quality of life.

Diverse Forms of OCD

OCD is a multifaceted condition, and it can manifest in various forms. At Project Yes PLLC, our therapists have extensive experience assisting clients with different presentations of OCD, including:

Sanitation or Fear of Contamination: 

Often referred to as "germaphobia," this form of OCD involves an intense fear of contamination or getting sick. Individuals may engage in excessive hand washing or avoid touching objects they perceive as contaminated.

OCD Health Anxiety: 

This subtype involves persistent fears related to health, infections, illnesses, or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). People with this form of OCD may constantly check their symptoms or seek reassurance from healthcare professionals.

Fear of Causing Harm or Offense: 

Some individuals with OCD are plagued by fears of causing harm or offense to others. They may avoid certain actions or interactions to prevent harm, even when the risk is minimal or nonexistent.

Fear of Being Harmed or Preventing Bad Outcomes: 

This form of OCD involves excessive worrying about personal safety or the safety of loved ones. Rituals and compulsions may be aimed at preventing potential harm or bad outcomes.

Relationship OCD: 

Individuals with relationship OCD may experience intrusive doubts and uncertainties about their relationships. They may constantly seek reassurance or engage in repetitive behaviors to alleviate their doubts.

Fear of Not Having Done Something Correctly: 

People with this form of OCD may feel a persistent need to ensure that they have completed tasks or actions correctly. This often involves checking and rechecking, even when there is no evidence of error.

Scrupulosity or Religious Thoughts: 

Scrupulosity involves obsessive religious or moral thoughts that can be distressing. Furthermore, individuals may feel compelled to pray excessively or seek forgiveness for perceived sins.

Postpartum OCD: 

This subtype can occur in new parents and involves distressing thoughts or fears related to their child's safety or well-being. Rituals may be aimed at preventing perceived harm to the infant.