Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
(OCD)
OCD is a very treatable mental health condition that involves experiencing obsessions and/or compulsions.
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Obsessions are repeated thoughts, urges, or images that keep coming back and are unwanted.
Compulsions are actions or mental routines that a person feels they have to do in response to an obsession or by following strict rules.​
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OCD usually starts around age 19, however more 50% of people with OCD begin to have symptoms in childhood and early adolescence. It’s a long-term condition, but with the right treatment, the ups and downs of OCD can be managed effectively.
OCD: more than being organized
OCD can look different for each person, but some common themes are:
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Cleaning: Feeling the need to clean because of fears about germs or dirt.
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Symmetry: repeating, ordering obsession or counting compulsions..
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Forbidden thoughts: Having disturbing thoughts, like those about harm, sex, or religion.
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Harm: Worrying about causing harm to yourself or others, leading to compulsive repeated checking.
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There’s also a less talked about type called Existential OCD, where people obsess over big life questions or the meaning of life.
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Treatment: OCD needs specialized care. The main treatments are a type of therapy called Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), as well as Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and medications. For medication, antidepressants (SSRIs) are usually the first choice, but sometimes higher doses are needed to see improvement.