How much do we really know about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder? Sure most of us have known someone who washes his or her hands more often than we might consider normal, or the person that keeps their home in perfect order. We tend to see these tendencies as compulsions rather than just signs of being fastidious. When exactly is the distinction made that causes a person to be labeled as having OCD and by using the term so loosely are we taking away from the genuine seriousness of this affliction? You are probably asking yourself, while reading this, what makes her such an expert on this disorder? While I am by no means an expert on the subject, I have had OCD for close to 20 years and the severity of this disorder far reaches the frequent washing of ones hands or keeping a consistently well kept home. There are several theories on the development of OCD; some clinicians argue that genetics plays a role as well as environment. However, most studies seem to suggest that the disorder begins in childhood, or began as the result of a traumatic life event. I would have to connect my personal onset with the latter.
Interestingly enough, there are only a handful of experts in the area of psychiatry who focus solely on this subject. Patients with this condition are typically referred to a therapist who practices cognitive therapy. Cognitive therapy involves a series of exercises that are designed to allow the patient to face their fears through exposure to the very things that they fear most. OCD is a fear based illness and the rituals one feels he or she must perform, are generally done to protect loved ones. A person with OCD truly comes to believe that in not following through on the impulse to perform these rituals, that they are putting their loved ones in jeopardy. There is a constant battle going on in that the side of reason is always at odds with the compulsive side. We know on some level that our rituals are just that, rituals, yet we are unable to let go of the compulsion. These rituals can be something as simple as checking 2 or 3 times to make sure we locked the door, or checking that the iron or stove is turned off more than once. They can also involve the need to turn off a light switch a set number of times or touching an object a set number of times. It is the consistency of these acts which seems to bring relief and by preventing ones self from performing these acts, is to experience tremendous anxiety as well as fear. Other rituals may include having repetitive thoughts that may include harming one self or others, or vividly imagines terrifying scenarios where either you or your loved ones are being harmed.
I don't believe enough research has been done to deal with this disorder and that is probably due to many who are suffering from this illness in silence, perhaps too embarrassed to tell family or friends. While as I stated earlier, OCD can be as simple as the constant washing of hands, it can also be debilitating and time consuming. There are some sufferers who spend literally hours performing their rituals before they can function at a normal level and get through their day. I personally did not find cognitive therapy helpful but many others have, and while I do not have the most severe level of this disorder, there are some days when my need to perform any single ritual are greater. I also believe stress may add to ones compulsions. There is help out there for those unable to cope with this disorder and while I cannot offer referrals, I can let you know through this article that you are not alone, and that you are not crazy. This disorder is real and there is hope.
© 2009 Susan Green
