About Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Are you already in bed, but feel the urge to get up and check whether the gas is turned off? Or are you already in your car, but still go back to make sure the door is locked, even though you know everything is fine? Many people experience moments like these, but that does not automatically mean they have obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
When these thoughts or behaviors take up a significant part of your day and interfere with your ability to function normally, you may be dealing with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
OCD is characterized by recurring, persistent thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that you feel compelled to perform in order to reduce anxiety or an unpleasant feeling. Even though people with OCD are often aware that their thoughts or behaviors are excessive or irrational, they still find it difficult to stop.
OCD is classified as an anxiety disorder.
What are the characteristics of OCD?
The main characteristics of OCD are:
Obsessions
Obsessions are unwanted, repetitive thoughts or images that cause anxiety or discomfort. These thoughts are often irrational, but they feel very real. Examples include constantly worrying about germs or contamination, persistent doubts about safety, fear of losing important items or fear of forgetting something crucial. You do not want to have these thoughts, but they keep coming back.
Compulsions
Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or rituals that you feel you must perform in a specific way in order to reduce the anxiety caused by obsessions. For example, people with OCD may endlessly check, clean, count or follow strict routines to reassure themselves.
Awareness and impact
You often realize that your thoughts or behaviors are irrational, but you feel you have little control over them and cannot simply stop. This can interfere significantly with your daily life.
People with OCD perform compulsions to reduce anxiety or worry. If they are unable to complete their rituals correctly, they may fear that something bad will happen. In some cases, they may ask family members or housemates to participate in these rituals, such as frequent cleaning, tidying or repeating routines.
Having obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors can be very time-consuming and exhausting. It can leave little room for daily activities or social interactions. This may lead to isolation, shame and a negative self-image. OCD can also affect work or school performance, making it difficult to concentrate or keep up with responsibilities. In some cases, it may mean that you have to stop working or studying temporarily.
Examples of compulsive behaviors
Checking
You may feel a strong urge to repeatedly check things, such as:
- Are all doors and windows locked?
- Is the gas turned off?
- Are all taps closed?
- Are electrical devices unplugged?
Even though you know your fears are exaggerated, you cannot stop checking. You may check something ten times and still doubt whether you did it correctly.
Fear of contamination
With fear of contamination, you have an extreme fear of dirt, bacteria or contamination. You constantly check whether something is dirty. This can lead to obsessive hand washing, excessive cleaning or avoiding certain places, people or objects. For example, you may prefer not to shake hands out of fear of bacteria, and if you cannot avoid it, you may wash your hands immediately afterwards.
Need for symmetry and order
This involves an obsessive need for order, symmetry and precision. Everything has to be arranged in a certain way or organized according to strict rules. For example, someone may feel the need to line up all books perfectly straight and in a specific order, or to stack clothes in a very precise way.
Hoarding
If you collect one specific object, such as stamps or DVDs, you are a collector and do not have hoarding disorder. People with hoarding problems have great difficulty throwing away all kinds of things, even if they are no longer usable and have no value. Getting rid of these things can cause a lot of tension or anxiety and, in extreme cases, can lead to serious problems at home because the house is no longer livable or easy to clean.
What causes OCD?
There is no single cause of OCD. It is likely caused by a combination of factors.
Genetics
If OCD runs in your family, you may have a higher risk of developing this disorder.
Negative experiences
Traumatic experiences or stressful events, especially in childhood, can increase the risk of developing OCD. Examples include the death of a parent, neglect, abuse or bullying.
Personal characteristics
Certain personality traits can make someone more vulnerable to obsessive-compulsive disorder, such as a strong need to control everything, perfectionism or a high level of anxiety.
Treatment for OCD
In general, obsessive-compulsive disorder is treatable. The goal of therapy is to help you deal with your obsessive thoughts in a different way, gain more control over your compulsive actions and stop avoiding certain situations, places or people.
The ultimate goal is that you can function better in daily life and that your well-being improves.
Please also read our OCD treatment page if you would like to know how we can help you with your obsessions and compulsions.
Contact Psychologen Amsterdam
Do you recognize your symptoms and do you need help or do you just have a question about the treatment of your OCD? Then call for an appointment or send a message to Psychologen Amsterdam.
