Unmasking OCD: Understanding the Hidden Struggles Behind Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is often misunderstood thanks to poor portrayals of it on television and in movies. It can be a crippling disorder that is powerless to logic and reason. Most people that have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, KNOW that their thoughts are irrational and not true, yet they are held prisoner to their thoughts and compelled to complete compulsions. It can take people years to be properly diagnosed. Obsessive compulsive disorder loves to fixate on thoughts that would be the most shameful and horrible to the person having them, which further complicates getting the correct treatment. So let’s talk about it!
(Learn more about how to deal with shame here.)
What is OCD?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by persistent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety caused by those thoughts. These obsessions often fall under themes such as fear of causing harm to self or others, contamination, a need for symmetry and more. While compulsions might include excessive cleaning, checking, counting, or seeking reassurance, OCD is not just about being neat or organized. It’s a debilitating cycle that can consume a person’s time and energy, interfering with daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. Though it can feel overwhelming, OCD is treatable with evidence-based therapies like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), helping individuals regain control and live fulfilling lives.
People with OCD including myself, realize that their seemingly uncontrollable behavior is irrational, but they feel unable to stop it.”
– Abhijit Naskar
What are common OCD obsessions themes?
Obsessions are not merely excessive worries—they are persistent, intrusive, and are often accompanied by overwhelming distress. People with OCD are aware that these thoughts are not logical, however, they feel intense anxiety that the thoughts could be true. Since these thoughts cause distress, people naturally try to avoid having the thoughts. The problem is, the more people with OCD try to stop having the thought or continue to engage in compulsions to neutralize the anxiety associated with the thought, the more often they have the thought. Think of it like this, if I were to tell you to not think about a pink elephant, what is the first thing you are going to think about? A pink elephant, right? This is why treatment includes helping people with OCD to understand that it is safe to have the thought and feel anxious. Some common themes that OCD thoughts fall under, include but are not limited to the following:
Contamination Fears: Intense worry about germs, dirt, or illnesses, leading to thoughts of being unclean or unsafe.
Fear of Harm: Thoughts about accidentally or intentionally causing harm to oneself or others, such as leaving the stove on or hurting someone.
Unwanted Sexual Thoughts: Intrusive and distressing sexual thoughts that feel inappropriate or wrong.
Religious or Moral Scrupulosity: Fear of blasphemy, sinning, or violating personal religious or moral values.
Need for Symmetry or Exactness: A compulsion to have things arranged "just right" or to feel balanced, such as aligning objects or evening out actions.
Relationship Obsessions: Doubts about feelings toward a partner, fidelity, or whether the relationship is “right.”
Fear of Losing Control: Worry about acting on violent or aggressive impulses, even without a desire to do so.
What are common compulsions of OCD?
Compulsions are what a person with OCD does to stop the bad thing from happening or to stop feeling anxiety about it. These actions often provide temporary relief from anxiety, but ultimately reinforce the obsessive-compulsive cycle, making it harder to break without proper treatment. This is why part of OCD treatment includes not engaging in the compulsions. Common compulsions include, but are not limited to:
Excessive Cleaning or Washing: Repeatedly washing hands, cleaning objects, or sanitizing surfaces to reduce fears of contamination.
Checking: Constantly verifying that doors are locked, appliances are off, or tasks are completed to prevent harm or mistakes.
Reassurance Seeking: Frequently asking others for confirmation or validation to ease doubts and fears.
Counting or Repeating Actions: Performing tasks a specific number of times or repeating phrases, words, or movements to feel “right” or prevent bad outcomes.
Arranging or Organizing: Aligning items symmetrically, or in a specific order, to reduce discomfort or anxiety about things feeling “off.”
Mental Compulsions: Silently repeating prayers, numbers, or phrases to neutralize intrusive thoughts or prevent harm.
Avoidance Behaviors: Avoiding people, places, or situations that might trigger obsessions or anxiety.
Touching or Tapping: Repeatedly touching objects or tapping surfaces in a ritualistic way to feel balanced or prevent perceived harm.
What causes OCD?
The exact cause of OCD isn’t fully understood, but research suggests it develops due to a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors. People with a family history of OCD or other mental health conditions may have a higher genetic predisposition. Biologically, OCD has been linked to differences in brain structure, functioning, and neurotransmitters like serotonin. Environmental factors, such as trauma, chronic stress, or significant life changes, can trigger or exacerbate OCD symptoms, especially in someone already predisposed. Additionally, learned behaviors, like associating certain actions with relief from anxiety, can reinforce the obsessive-compulsive cycle. While the causes are complex, OCD is not a result of personal weakness or something someone chooses—it’s a real mental health condition requiring understanding and treatment.
(Learn more about trauma here.)
How do you heal from OCD?
The gold standard for treating OCD is Exposure Response Prevention Therapy (ERP). It involves breaking the cycle of obsessions and compulsions. Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) therapy is a form of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that gradually exposes individuals to their fears or triggers in a safe and controlled way while preventing them from engaging in compulsive behaviors. This helps reduce anxiety over time and weakens the obsessive-compulsive cycle.
For some, medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can be helpful in reducing the intensity of symptoms, especially when combined with therapy. Healing is not about erasing OCD completely but learning to manage symptoms, reduce their impact, and live a fulfilling life. With commitment and support, many people experience significant improvement.
If you are ready to start treatment for OCD, schedule your free consulation call with me to get started!
Share your thoughts or questions about OCD in the comments below!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your therapist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this blog post. The author and publisher of this post are not responsible for any actions or inaction you may take based on the information presented in this post.
