Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Symptoms, Effects, & Treatment

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a complex and often misunderstood mental health condition affecting millions of children, adolescents, and adults around the world.

If you or a family member have OCD, reach out to Otter House Wellness, a recovery sanctuary nestled in Asheville, North Carolina. 

Our alcohol and drug treatment center offers a range of dual diagnosis and addiction treatments for people struggling with OCD and their families.

About OCD

OCD is a mental health disorder that can significantly affect a person’s quality of life.

It affects millions of people worldwide, regardless of age, gender, or background. 

Symptoms vary widely among individuals, but they typically include unwanted and intrusive thoughts and behaviors or mental acts that people feel driven to perform in response to their obsessions. 

Otter House Wellness helps people learn to manage the obsessions and compulsions of their OCD through therapy, counseling, and outpatient treatment options.

Key Facts on OCD

• Prevalence: 1.2% of the U.S. population.
• Related disorders: Hoarding disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, trichotillomania (pulling out or eating your hair), excoriation (picking at your skin).
• Symptoms: Obsessions (intrusive, unwanted thoughts that cause significant anxiety) and compulsions (repetitive actions performed to alleviate the anxiety caused by obsessions).
• Causes: A combination of genetic predisposition, brain structure abnormalities (particularly in the frontal cortex and subcortical structures) and environmental factors. 
• Risk factors: Family history, experiences of childhood trauma, and certain medical conditions.
• Diagnosis: Comprehensive evaluations using the DSM-V criteria.
• Treatment options: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), especially exposure and response prevention (ERP), medications, combination therapy, advanced options such as deep repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) or deep brain stimulation (DBS), and support groups.

What Causes Obsessive Compulsive Disorder to Form?

The exact cause of OCD is not fully understood, but research suggests a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors.

Family history plays a significant role, as people have a higher risk of OCD if a close relative also has the disorder. Childhood trauma, such as abuse or neglect, can also contribute to its development. 

Additionally, certain medical conditions like streptococcal infections have been linked to the onset of OCD symptoms in some cases. For instance, children with streptococcal infections may develop pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders (PANDAS), which can cause OCD, tic disorder, or both.

Symptoms of OCD

People with OCD experience two main symptoms: obsessions and compulsions.

Obsessions are persistent, unwanted thoughts or urges that cause significant anxiety. 

Common examples of obsessions include:

• Fear of contamination or germs
• Intrusive aggressive or sexual thoughts
• Need for symmetry, order, or exactness
• Fear of losing control and harming oneself or others

Compulsions are repeated behaviors or mental acts performed in response to obsessions, aimed at reducing distress or preventing a feared event. 

Typical examples of compulsions include:

• Excessive washing or cleaning
• Checking things repeatedly (e.g., locks, appliances)
• Counting, tapping, repeating certain words
• Arranging items in a specific order

Both obsessions and compulsions can consume a significant portion of an individual’s day, interfering with work, school, and personal relationships. 

Note that while many people may have occasional intrusive thoughts or repetitive behaviors, these do not constitute OCD unless they cause considerable distress and disruption in daily life. 

A mental healthcare provider at Otter House Wellness can help determine whether you have OCD or another condition.

Types of Compulsions Associated with OCD

There are various types of compulsions associated with OCD. These include checking, contamination, intrusive thoughts/ruminations, symmetry and ordering, and postpartum OCD.

Checking 

Checking compulsions are a common behavior seen in people with OCD. 

This type of compulsion involves an intense urge to ensure that a specific action has been done correctly. These behaviors can take up a lot of time and disrupt daily activities.

Examples of common checking behaviors include:

• Repeatedly ensuring that doors are locked or appliances are turned off to prevent break-ins or fires
• Checking stoves and ovens multiple times to confirm they are off, driven by fears of causing a fire
• Reviewing sent communications numerous times to ensure no mistakes were made
• Constantly seeking reassurance by checking memory for forgotten actions or events

Contamination

Contamination-related compulsions are a common OCD symptom. 

People with this type of compulsion often feel an overwhelming fear of germs, dirt, or toxic substances. This anxiety can provoke intense stress and lead them to engage in excessive cleaning rituals.

Common behaviors associated with contamination include:

• Frequent hand washing or showering
• Avoidance of perceived contaminated areas
• Use of gloves or masks to minimize contact

Intrusive Thoughts/Ruminations

Intrusive thoughts are unwanted, involuntary ideas or images that can be distressing and challenging to manage.

Common examples of intrusive thoughts include:

• Fears of causing harm to oneself or others
• Inappropriate sexual images or urges
• Blasphemous or sacrilegious thoughts about religious figures or concepts

Ruminations refer to the compulsive focus on these thoughts, analyzing them over and over without reaching a resolution. This cycle can lead to heightened anxiety and disrupt daily functioning.

Symmetry & Ordering

Symmetry and ordering compulsions in OCD are characterized by an overwhelming need for balance and precision. People with this type of compulsion may feel compelled to arrange objects symmetrically or ensure that items are organized in a particular order. 

Examples of symmetry and ordering include:

• Organizing books, clothes, or household items so they appear perfectly even
• Rearranging furniture or personal belongings until they “feel right”
• Experiencing distress if items are moved or not in their designated place

These behaviors often stem from intrusive thoughts that something negative will happen if the environment is disorganized.

Postpartum OCD

Postpartum OCD is a type of OCD that can affect new mothers. 

Unlike general postpartum depression, postpartum OCD focuses more on intrusive thoughts and ritualistic behaviors. 

It is characterized by distressing thoughts and behaviors related to the well-being of their newborns. These thoughts often involve fears of accidentally harming the baby, concerns about contamination, or unwanted urges to act against their will.

Symptoms of postpartum OCD often involve intense anxiety or guilt linked to:

• Fearful thoughts about harming the baby
• Excessive checking on the baby’s health or breathing
• Compulsions to perform tasks in specific ways to prevent harm

The exact cause of postpartum OCD isn’t fully understood. 

However, people with the following risk factors may have a higher chance of developing the condition:

• A personal or family history of OCD
• High levels of stress during pregnancy or after childbirth
• Hormonal changes post-delivery

Complications of Untreated OCD

OCD is a challenging condition. When left untreated, it can cause significant disruptions in your daily routines and social interactions. 

Potential complications of untreated OCD include:

• Emotional distress: Persistent obsessions and compulsions can lead to heightened anxiety and depressive symptoms, making it difficult to maintain mental well-being.
• Interference with daily life: People with untreated OCD may experience compulsions that consume substantial amounts of time each day. As a result, they may experience significant disruptions in work, education, and personal relationships.
• Substance use disorder (SUD): Some individuals might turn to alcohol or drugs to cope with the distress caused by their symptoms, leading to addiction.
• Increased risk of other mental health disorders: Anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and eating disorders are more common among those with untreated OCD.

OCD Treatment at Otter House Wellness

If you suspect you or a loved one have OCD, reach out to Otter House Wellness. Our facility provides specialized care for people who are battling OCD.

Here are the top treatments for OCD offered by Otter House Wellness in North Carolina:

• Outpatient mental health program: Our mental health programs come in various formats to help people get the care level they need for their OCD. These treatment programs include partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient, and outpatient services.
• Therapy: Therapy is one of the best treatments for mental health disorders like OCD. Some of the best therapies for OCD include cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy or talk therapy, mindfulness, and exposure therapy.
• Prescription medications: Otter House Wellness can match you with a psychiatrist who can prescribe medications for treating OCD. The type of medication depends on the type and severity of your symptoms and other factors. Common medications include:
  • Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs)
  • Selective SRIs (SSRIs)
  • Tricyclic antidepressants
  • Clomipramine (Anafranil)
  • Fluoxetine (Prozac)
  • Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
  • Sertraline (Zoloft)
  • Paroxetine (Paxil)

Find Targeted Treatment for OCD in North Carolina

Finding a healthcare provider for OCD can be challenging.

That’s where Otter House Wellness in North Carolina comes in. Our drug and alcohol treatment center offers a variety of dual diagnosis and addiction treatment services, and we are dedicated to guiding you and your family toward a successful recovery path.

Talk to us today to learn more about how we can help you and your family.