Written by: Lynn Tian
Edited by: Shruti Shaji
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a complex and often debilitating condition that affects millions. According to data from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication, approximately 1.2% of U.S. adults had OCD in the past year, with a lifetime prevalence of the disorder among U.S. adults of about 2.3% (NIMH, 2024). Characterized mainly by obsessions and compulsions, as well as the presence of persistent, unwanted thoughts, and repetitive behaviors, OCD can significantly affect an individual’s daily life and overall well-being. Individuals with OCD experience intense obsessions – unwanted and intrusive thoughts, hallucinations, or urges that cause distress or anxiety (e.g. need for cleanliness, need for symmetry, etc.). To alleviate the discomfort caused by the symptoms, they engage in compulsions – repetitive behaviors or mental acts to help reduce anxiety or prevent an unwanted event or situation. These compulsions, however, are not necessarily logically tied to the event they are trying to prevent (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). The symptoms of OCD can vary widely among, but many individuals experience anxiety or suicidal thoughts. The routines driven by these obsessions can become time-consuming and significantly interfere with the person’s daily life and social interactions.
The exact cause of OCD is not understood, but a combination of genetic, neurobiological, environmental, and psychological factors is believed to contribute to its development. Research has indicated that individuals with close family members who have OCD are at a higher risk, suggesting a genetic component (Pauls, 2008). Neuroimaging studies have also shown differences in the frontal cortex and subcortical structures of the brain in people with OCD, pointing to a possible neurological basis. Environmental factors and certain behavioral and cognitive processes, could also affect the development of the disorder; for example, trauma, stressful life events, and a tendency to react negatively to intrusive thoughts can all contribute to OCD. (Taylor, 2011).
Treatment for OCD typically involves a complicated process of psychotherapy and medication. Cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT), has been proven effective as a psychotherapeutic treatment for OCD. A more specific type of CBT is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), a technique that involves exposing the person to their source of the anxiety or obsession and having them refrain from performing their compulsive behaviors (Foa et al., 2005). This method aims to gradually reduce the patient’s fear and dependence on compulsive actions as a coping mechanism. Medications, particularly serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), have been found to be effective in reducing common symptoms of OCD by affecting the neurotransmitters involved in mood and anxiety (Soomro et al., 2008). However, it takes time to experiment and understand the effectiveness of various treatment methods.
Despite the availability of treatments, many individuals with OCD often delay seeking help due to stigma, fear of embarrassment, or even a lack of information about the disorder. This delay can lead to worsening symptoms and a significant impact on the overall quality of life. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals experiencing symptoms of OCD to find professional help as well as reach out to family and friends for support. Early interventions can lead to more positive outcomes and help individuals manage their symptoms more effectively.
References:
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed).
Foa, E. B., Liebowitz, M. R., Kozak, M. J., Davies, S., Campeas, R., Franklin, M. E., Huppert, J. D., Kjernisted, K., Rowan, V., Schmidt, A. B., Simpson, H. B., & Tu, X. (2007). Randomized, placebo-controlled trial of exposure and ritual prevention, clomipramine, and their combination in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Focus (American Psychiatric Publishing), 5(3), 368–380. https://doi.org/10.1176/foc.5.3.foc368
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). (n.d.). Retrieved April 5, 2024, from National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) website: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd
Pauls, D. L. (2010). The genetics of obsessive-compulsive disorder: a review. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 12(2), 149–163. https://doi.org/10.31887/dcns.2010. 12.2/dpauls
Soomro, G. M., Altman, D., Rajagopal, S., & Oakley-Browne, M. (2008). Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) versus placebo for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd001765.pub3
Taylor, S. (2011). Etiology of obsessions and compulsions: a meta-analysis and narrative review of twin studies. Clinical Psychology Review, 31(8), 1361–1372. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2011.09.008
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