What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)? Understanding the Basics
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite its prevalence, it is often misunderstood. Many people associate OCD with simply being “neat” or “perfectionistic,” but in reality, OCD is far more complex. It involves persistent, intrusive thoughts or images and repetitive behaviors that can deeply impact one’s daily life. In this article, we’ll provide a clearer understanding of OCD, including its symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment options. At Foothills Integrative, we offer a holistic approach to understanding and treating OCD, combining evidence-based psychotherapy, neurotherapy, and trauma-informed care to help individuals regain control of their lives.
What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by two primary components:
Obsessions: Intrusive, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that cause significant anxiety or distress.
Compulsions: Repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed in response to the obsessions, aimed at reducing the anxiety or preventing a feared event or situation.
OCD is not just about needing things to be perfectly organized or excessively clean. While some individuals may focus on cleanliness or orderliness, the core issue lies in the distress caused by obsessive thoughts and the compulsive rituals performed to alleviate that distress. These rituals can interfere with daily activities, social interactions, and personal relationships, often leading to isolation and difficulty in maintaining normal routines.
Symptoms of OCD: How to Identify It
The most distinguishing feature of OCD is the presence of obsessions—persistent and unwanted intrusive thoughts, images or urges that trigger anxiety. These thoughts often feel uncontrollable and can lead to significant distress. Some common examples include:
Fears of harming others or oneself.
Persistent doubts (e.g. whether a door was locked or a stove is turned off)
Disturbing or taboo thoughts related to religion, morality, or sexuality.
These thoughts can feel overwhelming and uncontrollable, leading to high levels of distress.
To relieve the anxiety caused by obsessive thoughts, individuals with OCD engage in compulsions—repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed according to specific rules. Common compulsions include:
Washing or cleaning (e.g., hand washing or cleaning surfaces repeatedly)
Checking (e.g., repeatedly checking if the stove is off or if the doors are locked)
Counting or organizing (e.g., counting objects or arranging items in a specific order)
Engaging in ritualistic thought loops.
While these compulsions may provide temporary relief from anxiety, they rarely bring lasting peace and often exacerbate the obsession over time. Many individuals with OCD feel trapped in a cycle of obsession and compulsion, which can be mentally and emotionally exhausting.
The ongoing cycle of obsessions and compulsions leads to increased anxiety, distress, and emotional strain. Individuals may experience feelings of frustration, depression, and helplessness. OCD can also have a significant impact on relationships, as people may struggle to explain their behaviors or feel embarrassed by their rituals.
The Causes of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
While the exact cause of OCD is not fully understood, research suggests that both biological and environmental factors play a role in its development.
Biological factors, such as genetics, chemical imbalances, and brain function have been identified as possible factors that can contribute to the development of OCD. Neurochemical imbalances in the brain, particularly with serotonin (a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, anxiety, and behavior), are believed to contribute to OCD. Additionally, certain areas of the brain, such as the basal ganglia, have been found to function differently in individuals with OCD. Genetic factors also play a role, as those with a family history of OCD are at higher risk of developing the disorder themselves.
Environmental factors, such as Stressful life events, trauma, or chronic stress may trigger or exacerbate OCD symptoms. These events, such as the loss of a loved one, a significant life change, or experiencing trauma, can increase the likelihood of developing OCD. Childhood trauma, neglect, or abuse may also contribute to the onset of OCD later in life. While childhood experiences do not guarantee the development of OCD, they may increase vulnerability in those already predisposed to the disorder.
How is OCD Diagnosed?
OCD is diagnosed by a mental health professional based on criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The diagnosis involves evaluating the presence of:
Persistent obsessions and compulsions that consume more than an hour per day or cause significant distress.
Distress or impairment in functioning caused by obsessions and compulsions.
Exclusion of other medical conditions or substance use as the cause of symptoms.
If you or someone you know is exhibiting symptoms of OCD, it’s crucial to seek a professional evaluation from a trained mental health expert.
Treatment Options for OCD
At Foothills Integrative Psychology, we provide a comprehensive, trauma-informed approach to treating OCD. We combine Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, somatic techniques, and neurotherapy to address both the symptoms and the underlying factors contributing to the condition.
One of the most effective treatments for OCD is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), particularly Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). ERP involves exposing individuals to anxiety-triggering situations while preventing the compulsive behavior they usually perform in response. This helps to gradually reduce the anxiety associated with obsessions and break the cycle of compulsions.
Integrating mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, and body scanning, is another powerful way to manage anxiety. Mindfulness encourages staying grounded in the present moment, making it easier to manage obsessive thoughts without resorting to compulsions.
Somatic practices, including movement and breathwork, are effective in regulating the body’s response to anxiety. By connecting the body and mind, these techniques create a sense of calm, which can help reduce the need for compulsive behaviors.
For those with OCD linked to past trauma, our trauma-informed approach is critical. At Foothills, we recognize that unresolved trauma can fuel OCD symptoms. We use therapies like Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), EMDR, Deep Brain Reorienting, Natural Processing and Somatic Experiencing to help individuals process and heal from past trauma while addressing compulsive behaviors.
Finally, we integrate neurotherapy (also known as neurostimulation/neuromodulation) techniques to enhance brain function. Through non-invasive methods like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), we target areas of the brain associated with OCD symptoms, helping to regulate brain activity and improve mental well-being.
Conclusion
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is a complex condition that can significantly affect daily life. However, with the right treatment, including therapy, mindfulness practices, somatic techniques, and neurotherapy, individuals with OCD can regain control and live fulfilling, meaningful lives. If you or someone you know is struggling with OCD, professional help is key. At Foothills Integrative Psychology, we specialize in personalized mental health services, including neurotherapy and trauma-informed treatment for OCD, to help individuals lead healthier, balanced lives.