Obsessive Compulsive Therapy

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a mental illness characterized by two distinct sets of symptoms; obsessions and compulsions. First, someone with OCD experiences obsessions, which are repetitive, unwanted thoughts and irrational urges to do specific things or repeat particular actions. Although individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder may understand that their obsessions are irrational and illogical, they cannot stop them from occurring.

In general, obsessions are often upsetting and can lead to significant anxiety, especially when they are not addressed. Unfortunately, even if one tries to suppress obsessive thoughts, it will inevitably lead to considerable fear and panic associated with the idea that the harmful thought could “come true” if they do not act on it. Eventually, obsessive thoughts become so strong that the individual will act upon their thoughts by performing compulsions “behaviors or activities” to reduce the intensity and severity of their obsessions.

Compulsions are the behaviors or activities brought about by obsessions. Compulsions are repetitive acts such as hand washing, turning light switches on and off, organizing things, and checking things that someone with OCD must perform to help manage obsessive thoughts. Someone who struggles with long-term obsessive-compulsive disorder will adopt these behaviors and activities as a way to cope with the intensity and severity of their symptoms.

Because of how symptoms of OCD affect the mind, individuals who struggle with symptoms will believe that if they do not perform these rituals in a specific way each day, terrible things may happen to themselves or a loved one. It is also important to note that there is more than one type or category of OCD. The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) lists specific criteria for four main categories of OCD. These include Symmetry and Ordering, Forbidden Thoughts, Cleaning and Contamination, and Hoarding. Like many other mental illnesses, each person with OCD will experience symptoms and challenges related to the condition in unique ways.

Like many mental illnesses, not everyone will experience obsessive-compulsive disorder similarly. There are several specific symptoms that may be similar in most cases; however, OCD symptoms can vary widely depending on the individual and the type of OCD. Someone living with obsessive-compulsive disorder will likely encounter various symptoms, often from one or more dimensions or types of OCD.