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Mental Health
Understanding and Managing OCD
What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a type of anxiety disorder that affects an estimated 2.2 million people in the U.S.
Contrary to popular belief, OCD is not just a matter of being obsessed with “making things look straighter” or “constantly organizing things.” Although that is true as one of the types of OCD, it’s much more than that.
In its simplest definition, it is the frequent or constant presence of compulsions and obsessions that interfere with one’s life in some way. It’s important to remember that symptoms and actions as a result vary greatly across individuals, which is why OCD consists of much more than the “obsessions with aligning things a certain way.”
Those with severe OCD suffer from either or both physical urges and overwhelming thoughts that are difficult or impossible to control. Oftentimes, as a result of these uncontrollable urges and thoughts, people develop some type of “ritual” or routine to help them cope even if it may not make sense.
For instance, some may feel like they have to blink six times before going to bed. Even though this can bring a little bit of relief, it does not solve the problem. That’s why it’s important to understand OCD in its entirety in order to get the most appropriate form of treatment specifically for you. There are four general types of OCD that have been recognized as the most common.
