4 Major Types of OCD

Recognizing the Signs of OCD Imagine waking up every day feeling overwhelmed by constant, unwanted thoughts and the need to repeat certain actions to ease your anxiety. This is the reality for many individuals living with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Many people may joke about having OCD because they like things clean and orderly, but for all that it’s mentioned, it's a condition that’s often misunderstood. Affecting millions of people worldwide, OCD can frequently cause significant distress and impairment in daily life. Recognizing the real signs and symptoms of OCD is crucial for early recognition and effective treatment. This informational guide covers the signs of obsessions and compulsions, addresses common questions, and explores various treatment options to help those affected find relief and support. What is OCD? OCD is a mental health condition characterized by persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). These behaviors are often performed in an attempt to ease the distress caused by the obsessions. Signs and symptoms of OCD OCD symptoms can manifest in various ways. Below, we break down the signs of obsessions and compulsions. What are OCD obsessions? Obsessions are unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that trigger intensely distressing feelings. Common types of obsessions include: Contamination: Fear of germs, dirt, or illnesses leading to excessive cleaning or avoidance behaviors. Losing control: Worries about losing control and harming oneself or others unintentionally. Harm: Worrying excessively about causing harm to others, either accidentally or deliberately. Forbidden behaviors or thoughts: Intrusive thoughts about taboo or inappropriate subjects. Perfectionism: Excessive concern with order, symmetry, or having things ‘just right.’ Magical thinking: Belief that certain actions will prevent or cause specific outcomes, unrelated to logic. Other obsessions: Other repetitive and distressing thoughts that do not fit the above categories. Obsessions can vary greatly from person to person, but they all share the common thread of causing significant distress. If you or someone you know experiences these intrusive thoughts, it may be time to reach out to a mental health professional for guidance and help. What are OCD compulsions? Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that an individual feels driven to perform in response to an obsession. These actions aim to reduce distress or prevent a feared event, but they are often not connected to reality and can interfere with daily life. Common compulsions include: Washing and cleaning: Excessive hand washing, showering, cleaning, or sanitizing. Checking: Repeatedly checking things like locks, appliances, light switches, or body parts to prevent harm or mistakes. Counting: Engaging in repetitive counting or performing actions a specific number of times, often linked to perceived safety. Repetition: Repeating actions, words, or phrases. Order and symmetry: Arranging items symmetrically or in a specific order to feel ‘right.’ Other compulsions: Any other behaviors or rituals that an individual feels compelled to perform. Compulsions provide temporary relief from obsessive thoughts, but that sense of ease is only short-lived, often leading to a repetitive cycle of obsessions and compulsions that can significantly disrupt one’s daily routine. Do people with OCD always have compulsions? Not everyone with OCD will exhibit obvious compulsions. Some may experience purely obsessional OCD (often called ‘Pure O’), where they only have obsessions without any noticeable compulsive behaviors. Someone with Pure O might engage in mental compulsions, such as repetitive thoughts or mental checking, which can be just as distressing and disruptive as physical compulsions. People may also hide their compulsions. For example, Daniel Radcliffe revealed that one of his OCD compulsions involved constantly repeating everything he said back to himself under his breath so no one would notice. The famous actor found support for his condition through therapy and he encourages others to seek help so they can significantly improve their quality of life like he did. Are compulsions always a sign of OCD? Compulsions alone do not necessarily indicate OCD — they must be paired with obsessions and cause significant distress or impairment in daily functioning.Compulsions can also be present in other conditions, such as body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) or certain anxiety disorders. It's important to differentiate OCD from other disorders, which can have similar symptoms but require different treatments. Keep in mind: While the above information can help provide a general understanding, only a licensed professional can diagnose and treat mental health conditions. Treatment options for OCD Treatment for OCD often involves a combination of medication, therapy, and coping strategies. Let’s explore some of the common treatment options. Medication Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are typically prescribed to help reduce OCD symptoms. SSRIs work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which can help manage the distress associated with OCD. Therapy Seeing a therapist can play a crucial role in managing OCD symptoms and improving quality of life. Various therapeutic approaches have been developed to address the unique challenges of OCD, including: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This form of therapy focuses on changing the negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with OCD. It helps individuals identify and challenge their obsessive thoughts and learn healthier ways to cope with feelings of anxiety. Exposure and response prevention (ERP): A specific type of CBT, ERP involves exposing individuals to their fears or obsessions without engaging in the compulsive behaviors. This helps to reduce the anxiety over time and diminish the compulsive responses. Deep-brain stimulation: For severe cases of OCD that do not respond to traditional treatments, deep-brain stimulation may be considered. This involves implanting electrodes in specific areas of the brain to regulate abnormal brain activity. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS): TMS uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain and is another option for those who have not found relief with other treatments. Through therapy, individuals with OCD can take steps towards reclaiming control over their lives and finding relief. Coping strategies In addition to professional treatment, several coping strategies can be used to help manage symptoms of OCD: Mindfulness and relaxation techniques: Meditation, yoga, or deep-breathing exercises can help reduce stress and anxiety. Support groups: Connecting with others who have OCD can provide a sense of community and understanding. Healthy lifestyle choices: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and enough sleep can improve overall mental health and resilience. Routine: Establishing a schedule can provide structure and reduce the need for compulsions. Incorporating these coping strategies alongside professional treatment can help you live a more balanced life. How do I know if I have OCD? If you find yourself overwhelmed with persistent, intrusive thoughts and feel compelled to perform certain behaviors to alleviate your distress, it could be a sign of OCD. But, the only way to know if you have the condition is to seek professional help. At Cerebral, we offer therapy, medication management, and tailored treatment plans to help you manage OCD — all from the comfort and convenience of your home. If you're ready to take the first step towards improved mental health, sign up today. Images by Drazen Zigic and master1305 on Freepik. *The information in this blog is provided as a general educational resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purpose. This information should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment and does not create any patient-physician relationship between you and Cerebral. Please consult your health care provider before making any health care decisions or to get guidance about a specific medical condition.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by unwanted repetitive thoughts (obsessions) and overwhelming urges to perform behaviors to relieve the stress caused by these thoughts (compulsions). Despite misconceptions, OCD is not just about being overly tidy or particular; it's a disorder that can significantly disrupt daily life and relationships — but it’s also treatable. This informative article explains what OCD is, its signs and symptoms, types of OCD, what can cause OCD, and the various  treatment options. How do you know if you have OCD? While a diagnosis requires an assessment by a mental health professional, there are common symptoms and signs of OCD. Obsessions are an OCD symptom Obsessions are persistent and intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that cause distress, guilt, shame, fear, or anxiety. Common obsessions include: Fears of contamination Fear of losing control Harm towards oneself or others Aggressive impulses Unwanted taboo thoughts Needing things to be in perfect order Without help, these obsessions can significantly interfere with one's daily functioning and relationships. Compulsions are a sign of OCD Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that a person feels driven to perform in response to an obsession. They can include: Excessive cleaning and/or handwashing Ordering and arranging things in a precise way Repeatedly checking on things Compulsive counting These are not rational 'solutions' to problems but are instead ritualistic behaviors that temporarily neutralize or relieve anxiety or distress.  Other symptoms of OCD Other signs can include a severe sense of responsibility to prevent harm, doubt and uncertainty that lead to constant reassurance-seeking, and considerable distress when things are not 'just right.' People with OCD will often experience significant distress, spend hours performing compulsive behaviors, and/or have health issues, such as skin lesions from excessive washing. Common types of OCD OCD doesn’t manifest in just one way. Obsessive-compulsive disorder comes in four common types: Checking: Excessive checks on locks, appliances, and other items to prevent an imagined catastrophe or potential harm. Order & symmetry: A need to arrange items in a precise way or order, such as being perfectly positioned or symmetrical, leading to distress if the order is disrupted. Contamination: Fear of being contaminated by germs, becoming infected, or spreading the like to others, which can drive compulsions like excessive hand washing, cleaning, or avoiding dirty places or objects. Ruminations or intrusive thoughts: Unwanted and distressing thoughts, images, or existential questions that persist without a conclusion or relief. Understanding these common types of OCD can help in recognizing the diverse manifestations of the disorder, guiding more tailored treatment approaches. How does OCD differ from anxiety? Anxiety generally involves excessive worry, while OCD is characterized by unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) aimed at managing these thoughts. These defining compulsions are generally absent in anxiety disorders. Historically, OCD was grouped with anxiety disorders, but it’s been reclassified in its own category based on its unique aspects, including: Neurobiology: OCD has specific brain function patterns related to behavioral control, unlike the broader patterns seen in anxiety disorders. Treatment: OCD treatments often require higher doses of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and specialized therapies such as exposure and response prevention (ERP), which are not typical for treating general anxiety. Onset age: OCD usually starts in childhood, whereas most anxiety disorders develop later. These differences led the American Psychiatric Association (APA) to categorize OCD separately in the DSM-5, allowing for tailored diagnosis and treatment approaches. What causes OCD? The causes of OCD can stem from a mix of biological, psychological, and environmental factors, each uniquely influencing its development. Key factors that may predispose individuals to OCD include: Stress or trauma: Significant life stressors or traumatic events can trigger OCD in people who are predisposed to the disorder. Personality traits: Traits such as perfectionism or intolerance of uncertainty can be predictors of OCD. Genetics: OCD has a genetic component, often running in families. Brain injury: In rare cases, brain injuries have been linked to the onset of OCD symptoms. Whether it’s addressing genetic predispositions, managing personality traits, or healing from trauma, a personalized approach to mental health treatment can help you lessen the impact of these factors if you have OCD. How is OCD diagnosed? Diagnosing OCD involves clinical evaluation where the impact of symptoms on an individual's life are considered and distinguished from other mental health conditions. Additionally, this condition can coexist with other disorders such as anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, or tic disorders, so it's important for mental health professionals to conduct a thorough assessment to identify any co-occurring disorders, which can influence the choice of treatment strategies and overall management. OCD treatment options  Treatment options for those with OCD include medication, therapy and coping strategies, including: SSRIs, which are commonly prescribed to help reduce the symptoms of OCD. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which focuses on changing the thought patterns that trigger compulsions. Exposure and response prevention (ERP), which involves exposure to the source of fear without allowing the compulsive behavior to follow. Deep-brain stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), which are newer treatments that offer hope for those who do not respond to traditional therapies. Self-care practices, such as eating a balanced diet, getting adequate sleep and being physically active. Relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises. Support groups, which allow you to connect with others facing similar challenges. By combining these treatment approaches, you could find relief from your OCD symptoms and improve your overall quality of life. Understanding OCD is one of the first steps toward management and recovery. Many people with OCD can lead fulfilling lives with a combination of medicine, therapy, and personal coping strategies — all of which Cerebral offers. Images by freepik and wirestock on Freepik. *The information in this blog is provided as a general educational resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purpose. This information should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment and does not create any patient-physician relationship between you and Cerebral. Please consult your health care provider before making any health care decisions or to get guidance about a specific medical condition.