What is OCD
OCD stands for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. It’s a mental disorder that affects the brain, the day-to-day, and the life of someone with this condition.
The two parts of OCD are obsessions and compulsions. To fully understand the disorder it’s important to understand all the parts. The definition of an obsession is recurring and intrusive thoughts that are typically unwanted and tough to get out of your head. The definition of compulsions is an irresistible persistent impulse to perform an act. An example of an OCD action would be not being able to sleep unless you have checked all your doors to make sure they are locked. Even if you just locked them you have to check again, and again. You continue this action till your brain tells you that you’re safe and can stop.
The symptoms of OCD can be:
- Washing and cleaning.
- Checking.
- Counting.
- Ordering.
- Following a strict routine.
- Demanding reassurance.
The cause of the disorder is quite unknown. Most people who have OCD explain it as something you just have. It’s not learned or caused, your brain just creates it and you don’t question it. It’s a complex connection between your biology, genetics and environment. There are multiple factors that can cause and influence the disorder. There isn’t just a simple cause, that’s what makes the disorder so complex.
Senior student Jacob Dugan has officially been diagnosed with OCD for a little over two years but has had symptoms for 10 years. He had been tested two times for OCD. His symptoms included many things.
“When I walk up stairs or down stairs I have to end with my right foot every time and if I were about to end with the wrong foot I will take two steps on the last step so that I can end with the right foot.”
Another symptom is he feels the continued need to wash and clean hands, when he showers only his shower products can be in the shower.
“Having my own things makes me feel more clean,” said Jacob. Even getting dressed for school is affected. “When it comes to a situation that would mean I couldn’t do one of those things that just doesn’t happen, I always find a way to accommodate the things I do in my day to day life, and I’m sure there is more but right now that is most of the stuff I can think of”. He went on to list six more symptoms, just off the top of his head.
After my interview I truly learned how many actions he has to perform because of this disorder. Actually talking to someone about their disorder was very eye opening. From big tasks like showering to small things like what he wears. Jacob’s everyday life is affected.
1.2% of U.S. adults had OCD in the past year. The past year prevalence of OCD was higher for females (1.8%) than for males (0.5%). Famous people with OCD includeLeonardo Dicaprio, Jessica Alba, and Howie Mandel. 1.2% of the U.S. has OCD, This is roughly 2 million people.
The treatment option for OCD:
- Talk therapy
- Medications
- Mix of both
The medications used are commonly just anti-anxiety medications. This just lowers the stress and anxiety that come with the day-to-day with this disorder. Talk therapy is also very common. Talking through the dilemmas that come with the disorder is helpful for mental health.
OCD causes a lot of added stress and anxiety, adding extra challenges to everyday life. Commonly felt emotions consist of fear, stress, anxiety, depression, and pressure. Any mental disorder is difficult, They are known as slippery slopes. Hard to handle and control. Understanding how disorders work can help you understand the struggles of those around you struggling with.
OCD is commonly missed and diagnosed. If you think you may have OCD, please talk to a licensed mental health professor.
