Specialists explained what the signs of this disorder are, how OCD differs from the usual desire to maintain order, revealed when recurring thoughts or rituals cross the boundaries of normality, what treatment methods are currently applied, and why people often hesitate to seek help, according to a press release from the pharmacy “Benu” and the medical diagnostics and treatment center “Hila”.
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The duo of obsessions and compulsions
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a chronic mental health condition that traps a person in their own persistent thoughts – obsessions – and compulsive actions that help reduce the anxiety felt – compulsions.
“It is a constant struggle with one’s mind and behavior, which should not be confused with perfectionism or tidiness, because a person with OCD usually understands that their thoughts and actions are illogical but cannot control or stop themselves,” notes pharmacist Deimantė Zalagaitytė. “Obsessions can vary: for example, fear of touching surfaces and contracting diseases. In such cases, there is an uncontrollable urge to constantly wash and disinfect hands.”
The pharmacist notes that this condition is also characterized by maintaining “justice,” order, symmetry, rearranging objects in rows, pairs, or at a certain angle, counting, and performing actions only a certain number of times, walking in a particular way – for example, avoiding lines or gaps between tiles.
Perfectionism or disorder?
Psychotherapist Gintarė Dailydė points out that the main difference between OCD and perfectionism is not the behavior itself, but what drives it and how much freedom a person has to give up such behavior.
“A person may like order, be meticulous, disciplined, or set high standards for themselves, but usually they can adapt to the situation, tolerate imperfection, and if necessary, not follow their own rules,” says G. Dailydė. “The line between a personality trait and a disorder appears when a person’s freedom of choice decreases, symptoms cause significant distress, take up a lot of time, or begin to significantly interfere with life.”
Why is help not sought for a long time?
According to G. Dailydė, although this condition is very exhausting, those around a person with obsessive-compulsive disorder may not notice it for a long time. For example, at work, a person may check completed tasks for too long, fear making mistakes, have difficulty finishing tasks, constantly doubt their decisions. Because of this, their productivity may decrease, although from the outside the person may simply appear very meticulous or responsible.
“Emotionally, OCD is often associated with strong anxiety, exhaustion, feelings of guilt or shame. It is especially difficult for those whose obsessions are socially unacceptable or strongly contradict their values – for example, aggressive, sexual, or religious thoughts constantly arise. A person may be frightened by their own thoughts and believe that they say something about their personality or intentions. However, an intrusive thought is not the same as a desire or intention to act on it,” notes G. Dailydė.
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According to the psychotherapist, it is precisely shame, fear of being misunderstood, and not knowing that such symptoms are typical of OCD that determine why people may not reveal them or seek help for a long time.
Diagnosis and treatment of the disease
According to D. Zalagaitytė, diagnosing OCD from the onset of the disease takes a long time, on average about 9–10 years. The disorder can be treated with cognitive behavioral therapy using the exposure and response prevention method, where a situation is simulated in which the patient experiences OCD symptoms, and the patient is consciously asked not to perform their usual action, for example, not to wash hands or not touch a door handle a certain number of times after touching a dirty surface. G. Dailydė notes that the goal of cognitive behavioral therapy is to learn to tolerate uncertainty and no longer respond to every doubt with rituals.
“Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, antidepressants, may also be prescribed, which regulate serotonin balance in the brain and reduce the intensity of emotional anxiety. Their effect does not appear immediately, usually after 4–8 weeks. Only precise and consistent use can help understand their effectiveness in managing the disease, and it is very unsafe to suddenly stop taking the medication – such an action can only worsen the course of the disease,” says D. Zalagaitytė.
OCD will not disappear without treatment
G. Dailydė adds that with more severe symptoms, psychotherapy and medication can be combined. “The most important message for a person who recognizes these symptoms is that OCD is a treatable disorder. There is no need to wait until the symptoms become completely unbearable. The sooner a person understands what is happening and receives appropriate help, the sooner they can start regaining freedom in daily life,” says the psychotherapist.
D. Zalagaitytė adds that it is a myth to think that OCD symptoms will go away on their own or if someone says “stop doing that.”
“Such words can be heard from parents because OCD is often noticed already in childhood. When strange behavior is noticed, the best course of action is to see a doctor – timely behavioral therapy or prescribed treatment can control this disease or completely stop it,” says the pharmacist.
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