It is not uncommon to hear someone in pop culture or casual conversation say jokingly, “I’m so OCD!” Obsessive compulsive disorder is one of the better-known–but perhaps least properly understood–mental health conditions today.
So what is the difference between a person who likes things just so and a person suffering from a disorder? How can you tell if you or a loved one are dealing with mere personality quirks or a condition that requires treatment? What is the connection between OCD and anxiety, and how do you know when it might be time to seek out an OCD and anxiety treatment center? What can you expect in the OCD and anxiety treatment center?
Symptoms of OCD
A person suffering from OCD is experiencing uncontrollable recurring thoughts (obsessions) and/or is engaging in repetitive behaviors (compulsions). The disorder is long-lasting, not a brief episode that disappears as quickly as it appears. Although the obsessions and compulsions often appear together, they do not always–a person may experience one or the other.
Obsessions
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, obsessions are repeated thoughts or mental images that are intrusive and unwanted, and they often cause intense anxiety. A person may have repeated intrusive thoughts of harming a loved one, so much so that they become fearful they won’t be able to control themselves around that person. They may have repeated mental images of something taboo, such as something sacrilegious to their belief system.
Other examples of obsessions include:
- Contamination: fear of dirty things, diseases, germs, viruses, animals
- Fear of harming someone: uncontrollable images of hurting oneself or others
- Responsibility or forgetfulness: fear of inadvertently harming someone by neglecting a responsibility, such as locking a door, turning of the oven, etc.
- Taboo sexual thoughts: intrusive thoughts of taboo sexual relationships, such as incest or rape
- Perfectionism: obsession with symmetry and correctness in either behavior or surroundings
Compulsions
Often taken on in response to an obsession, compulsive behaviors are repetitive. A person suffering from OCD who experiences compulsions feels they have no choice but to engage in the behaviors. Examples of compulsions include:
- Cleaning or handwashing
- Counting
- Repeatedly checking and double-checking things, such as that the doors are locked
- Repeating words silently
Compulsions may also be sexual. Compulsive sexual behaviors can include excessive masturbation/use of pornography or engaging in risky sexual behaviors such as sex with many partners. Sometimes compulsive sexual behaviors are engaged in to provide an escape from the crippling anxiety often coupled with OCD.
OCD and Anxiety
OCD and anxiety are often co-occurring disorders, meaning they are present in the same person at the same time. Compulsions may develop in a response to anxiety, even high functioning anxiety (the ability to continue performing daily tasks despite suffering from anxiety). Intrusive, troubling obsessions can cause feelings of anxiety to spiral. A quality anxiety and OCD treatment center will address both diagnoses in patients, helping them to heal from all aspects of their conditions. For true healing to occur, both the anxiety and the OCD will need to be treated.
OCD, Anxiety, and Addiction
The dual diagnosis of OCD and anxiety is often joined by another: substance use disorder. So why do OCD and substance abuse often present together?
The effects of alcohol or drugs may be initially soothing to a person suffering from either obsessive thoughts, compulsive actions, or a combination. They can temporarily “quiet” the sufferer’s overwrought brain. However, it often does not take long for this feeling of relief to become an addiction, something a person believes they cannot live without, something they will do anything to maintain.
Conversely, addiction can lead to OCD obsessions and compulsions, whether repetitive thoughts about the substance or compulsive behaviors surrounding its use. If you believe you or a loved one may be suffering from a combination of substance use disorder and OCD, consider reading through an addiction treatment guide as you begin exploring a road to recovery.
Hope for Those with OCD and Anxiety
The good news is that, for those who think they may be suffering from a dual diagnosis of OCD and anxiety, there is hope for healing. Consider a stay in an OCD and anxiety treatment center. These inpatient dual diagnosis treatment centers provide holistic, around-the-clock treatment by trained professionals, making sure that all aspects of a patient’s diagnosis are addressed. This will include OCD treatment that combines talk therapy with lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, and anxiety treatment that focuses on building new habits of mind for long-term recovery.
If you or a loved one is dealing with OCD and anxiety, consider an OCD and anxiety treatment center such as the Integrative Life Center in Nashville, TN. Our center’s caring professionals with experience in dual diagnoses will help you be free from the debilitating symptoms of OCD and anxiety. Do not hesitate to reach out to us today at (615) 891-2226.
