What it is:
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is categorized by a cycle of obsessions and compulsions that result in significant distress or cause life impairment. Obsessions are intrusive and unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that result in severely distressing feelings (e.g., anxiety, fear, shame). Compulsions are behaviors that are designed to reduce the distress caused by obsessions. While most adults will experience obsessions or compulsions at some point in their life, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) notes a threshold at which these experiences significantly interfere with a person’s ability to function and live the life they want. Common obsessive thoughts associated with OCD include contamination (e.g., dirt, germs), loss of control, unwanted sexual thoughts, perfectionism, and harm. Common compulsive behaviors include excessive checking behaviors, reassurance seeking, avoidance, counting, and washing or cleaning.
There are four general categories, or “types” of OCD. These include fears of contamination (e.g., germs, cleanliness, sickness), fears of harming self or others (e.g., intrusive thoughts about intentional or unintentional violence or damage to people or animals), fears of “not just right” feelings (e.g., keeping things symmetrical, orderly, and precise), and fears of taboo or morality-related thoughts and urges (e.g., intrusive and distressing thoughts about violence, sex, religion, and other topics that seem inconsistent with personal values).
Though often most associated with the emotion of fear (or anxiety), individuals with OCD often also struggle with shame, anger, or depression. Those who experience OCD mostly through irritability or shame are more likely to be mis- or under-diagnosed. In fact, outside of stereotypical OCD symptoms (e.g., counting, checking, washing), OCD symptoms can be easily missed by individuals and therapists alike, particularly if there are other concerns present. A full psychodiagnostic assessment or a brief consultation with an OCD-expert can be beneficial in catching less obvious presentations of OCD.
Does This Sound Familiar?
- I seem to obsess or fixate on specific things and have a very hard time getting my mind off of it.
- I have thoughts that I find very extremely upsetting, confusing, threatening, or activating.
- I spend a lot of time trying to prevent, correct, or atone for things I think are mistakes, errors or harms, even though others don’t seem to see them that way.
- My brain connects things and finds patterns that other peoples’ minds don’t seem to.
- A lot of my time is spent checking, reassuring, and making sure that things are in place, in order, and safe.
- It’s very hard for me to tolerate uncertainty, unpredictability, or feeling like I am not in control.
- I spend a lot of time and energy avoiding the triggers of my painful thoughts.
- When my anxiety shows up, it’s very hard for me to ignore it; I have to do something to get rid of it.
- I seem to be much more concerned about germs, illness, or contamination than everyone else around me.
- I have rituals, orders, or checking routines that I have to do to feel safe, “right,” or in control.
- People in my life seem to get frustrated by the level of reassurance, double-checking, or control I need.
- I’m socially isolated or my relationships have a lot of conflict due to my need to check or control things.
Associated Concerns:
- OCD often co-occurs with symptoms of anxiety, depression, insomnia, and physical health concerns that can be exacerbated by anxiety or stress (e.g., gastro-intestinal concerns, chronic pain conditions, or high blood pressure).
Specialty Services at TAP:
Below are a list of empirically supported assessments or therapies that one or more of our specialists could provide. Click on an intervention to learn more!