Hello, it’s your health buddy! Let’s feel better together. Today, I’m here to share some symptom insights and helpful tips about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Let’s dive in!
Janet (41), who lives in New York, finally visited a mental health clinic she had been meaning to go to for a long time. Whenever she got fixated on something, she found herself trapped in those thoughts all day long, unable to focus on work, and even losing sleep. She felt her symptoms were getting worse and finally gathered the courage to seek help.
Recently, she had a new bathroom sink installed due to a leak. But even after the repair, she couldn’t stop worrying that it might be leaking again. She kept checking it every few minutes, but the anxiety wouldn’t go away. There were even several times when she went back home from work just to make sure the air conditioner or heater was turned off. Sometimes, she would jump out of bed in the middle of the night to check if her belongings were in the right place, just to feel at ease.
She also experienced frequent anxiety about events that hadn’t even happened yet, excessive health worries, and insomnia triggered by endless “what if” thoughts. Although she had gone through this for over a decade, she dismissed it as part of her sensitive and perfectionist personality. But when her symptoms led to heart palpitations and dizziness, she finally consulted a specialist. She was diagnosed with a combination of OCD, anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. She is now undergoing treatment with two types of prescribed medication.
OCD is more common than we think — and easy to overlook
Most people experience a little bit of obsession or compulsiveness. But even when anxiety, depression, or obsessive thoughts become persistent, many people simply brush it off as a passing mood. If someone is known for being “a perfectionist” or “detail-oriented,” they might think it’s just their personality. However, if the symptoms continue to worsen, start affecting others, or interfere with daily life, that’s when it becomes a condition that requires professional help.
What exactly is OCD?
Simply put, OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) involves repeated thoughts or actions that feel impossible to control. These compulsions create anxiety or discomfort unless acted upon. OCD is classified under what’s commonly known as “neuroses.”
A small amount of obsessive behavior can actually help in daily life, but when it becomes too intense, it turns into a disorder that not only affects the person suffering but also those around them. Although those with OCD often recognize that their actions or thoughts are irrational, they still feel compelled to act on them. Trying to suppress these impulses often worsens the anxiety.
How common is OCD?
OCD is relatively common. Lifetime prevalence is estimated at around 2–3%, and about 10% of psychiatric outpatients suffer from it. Despite being widespread, only a small number of those affected seek treatment. On average, people don’t get help until 7.5 years after their symptoms begin. It often starts during adolescence or early adulthood, but adult-onset is also possible.
It frequently coexists with other mental health conditions such as depression and social anxiety disorder. OCD may also occur alongside alcohol abuse, specific phobias, panic disorder, eating disorders, autism, and Tourette’s syndrome.
What are the symptoms of OCD?
Symptoms vary widely, but a common trait is repeating certain thoughts or behaviors even when the person knows they’re irrational. About 75% of people with OCD experience both obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.
Common symptoms include:
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Obsessive thoughts about contamination (e.g., repeated handwashing, avoiding “dirty” objects)
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Doubting thoughts that lead to compulsive checking (e.g., checking locks, appliances)
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Repetitive thoughts involving inappropriate sexual or violent content
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A need for symmetry or precision (e.g., arranging objects in a specific order)
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Intrusive, uncontrollable thoughts about existential matters like life, death, or religion
What causes OCD?
From a biological standpoint, OCD is thought to be linked to abnormal activity of serotonin in the brain. That’s why medications targeting serotonin are often used in treatment. On the other hand, OCD can also be learned behavior reinforced by trauma or repeated experiences. For example, someone who has experienced a serious accident might become obsessively focused on preventing a similar event.
So although it may seem like a psychological issue, OCD has strong biological roots.
When should you seek treatment?
This is an important question. Some people think their behavior is just a personality trait or a quirk, and they try to live with the discomfort. But if the distress is long-term and affects daily life, seeking help can make a significant difference.
If you suspect OCD, it's important to get evaluated and determine whether it’s a personality trait or something that requires treatment.
Initially, people may wonder if treatment can even help. But once they receive the right medications and therapy, many find that their symptoms improve and their quality of life changes dramatically. If you suspect even mild OCD, it’s worth visiting a clinic, speaking to a professional, and starting treatment tailored to your needs.
Your health buddy is here for you. Wishing you a healthy and happy day ahead. Stay well!💖
This content is for informational purposes only and does not hold any individual or entity legally responsible. For accurate diagnosis and treatment of symptoms, please visit a nearby medical institution. This does not represent my final medical opinion and may vary depending on specific circumstances and evolving medical perspectives.
