When we think of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), we usually think of someone repeatedly turning the lights on and off, or keeping their home very tidy. However, this is a gross simplification and is not an accurate representation of this class of mental health conditions. Individuals who have an Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, experience obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are recurrent and persistent thoughts, urges, or images that are experienced as intrusive and unwanted. Compulsions on the other hand are repetitive behaviours or mental acts that an individual feels driven to perform in response to an obsession or according to rules that must be applied rigidly.
In other words, a person who has an Obsessive Compulsive Disorder may experience thoughts that they find distressing, they may see distressing images in their minds as well. These individuals are not able to control these thoughts and often these thoughts begin to take up more and more of their time. These thoughts are termed as an obsession. Now, because of the individual’s obsessive thoughts, they feel compelled to do something, usually repetitive behaviour – this is the compulsion. In many cases, the compulsive behaviour is the outward manifestation, of the turmoil caused by one’s obsessive thoughts, and the behaviours help to give the individual a sense of control. Many individuals report that the behaviours help to reduce the anxiety caused by their obsessive thoughts. In other cases, the behaviours may be done in order to prevent something bad from happening, or in order to ensure something good happens (this is based on each individual’s obsessions and compulsions).
Common types of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders include Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Hoarding Disorder, Trichotillomania (Hair-Pulling Disorder) and Excoriation (Skin-Picking) Disorder. For more information, click HERE.