Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental disorder characterised by obsession or compulsion or both. Obsessions come in the form of intrusive thoughts, urges, or images that provoke significant distress or feelings of anxiety, while compulsions are repetitive behaviours engaged to alleviate those obsessions and/or decrease distress.

We encourage you to seek out medical advice via your GP or speak with a mental health professional if you believe you have OCD symptoms. St. Martin’s has a team of professional therapists experienced in treating OCD and other mental health conditions.

OCD symptoms: Obsessions and Compulsions

Obsessive thoughts are uncontrollable and unwanted and trigger negative emotions. Compulsive behaviours often follow as a means of reducing the stress caused by obsessions. Obsessions and compulsions can be time-consuming and disrupt daily activities, negatively affecting mental health.

The subject matter of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours varies widely but frequently falls into categories including violent and aggressive thoughts, harm to loved ones, contamination, incompleteness, order and symmetry, and sin (including religion and morality).

Examples of the obsessions and compulsions of obsessive-compulsive disorder:

Compulsive Behavior

Obsessive Thought

  • Frequently checking the door or using the locking mechanism on a fob

  • Frequent hand-washing, and washing of surfaces and anything coming in contact with the contaminated object

  • Frequently checking your child or infant

  • Excessive praying, confessing or seeking reassurance from religious leaders

  • Rearranging or remaking the bed until perfection is achieved

  • Reoccurring doubt of whether or not you have locked a car or house door ….

  • Disgust of touching a surface, object, person, or pet that is perceived to be contaminated

  • Fear of an infant or child having an accident

  • Worry or fear of offending God, committing a sin or attending the wrong religious institution

  • Fear that something bad will happen when your bed is not perfectly arranged or pillows are uneven

Causes of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

The exact cause of developing OCD remains unknown, however, researchers have discovered several risk factors that may influence the development of OCD:

OCD Risk Factors:

  • Genetic factors – such as a family member having an obsessive-compulsive disorder or other mental illnesses including anxiety and depression.

  • Brain chemistry – low serotonin levels and high activity in specific areas of the brain

  • Stress – Obsessive-compulsive disorder may develop in people who experienced neglect, childhood trauma, bullying, abuse, or after traumatic events such as childbirth or the death of a loved one.

Pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders

Some children can develop an OCD diagnosis after streptococcal infection, known as an autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder.

OCD Treatments and Therapies

Counselling and psychotherapy can effectively treat OCD symptoms. Treatment length varies depending on whether you have severe OCD or mild OCD symptoms. Therapists will work with you in a safe environment to understand the specifics of your OCD and help you reach your goals of eliminating or reducing compulsive behaviour and obsessive thoughts.

OCD Self-Help Guide

Skin Picking Disorder

Also known also as excoriation disorder or dermatillormania, skin picking is closely related to OCD and is listed officially in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) as a body-focused repetitive disorder.

A person with a skin picking disorder is likely to:

  • Frequently pick areas of their body including the face and arms, fingernails, or skin irregularities such as moles and freckles.

  • Not realise they are picking while it is occurring

  • Pick during periods of stress and anxiety

  • Cause bruising, cuts or bleeding from picking

Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania, also known as a hair-pulling disorder, is similarly classified as a body-focused repetitive disorder related to OCD. People with trichotillomania experience a constant, irresistible urge to pull out hair from areas of the body including the scalp, eyebrows or other areas.

Hair pulling often leaves noticeable patches in impacted areas, which can cause self-consciousness and trying to hide hair-loss. Therapy can help you reduce hair-pulling or stop it entirely.