ocd: do you know the signs?

many people with obsessive compulsive disorder go without treatment because they are embarrassed to share what they are experiencing.

by dave yasvinski

sep 7 2022

4 minute read

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obsessive compulsive disorder can present itself as early as age 7

obsessive compulsive disorder is a form of mental illness in which people experience repeated and unwanted thoughts. getty

obsessive compulsive disorder is a form of mental illness in which people experience repeated and unwanted thoughts (or obsessions) that compel them to perform repetitive behaviours (or compulsions). patients who ignore these obsessions often feel intense distress or anxiety that they feel can only be alleviated by performing a corresponding compulsion. these compulsions are often ritualistic in nature and can include, for example, counting to a certain number before putting on each article of clothing.

ocd begins early, according to anxiety canada , often presenting between the ages of seven and 12, with roughly half of all diagnosed adults reporting their symptoms began in childhood. it is estimated that the disorder occurs in around one per cent of the population at some point in their lives and is thought to be more prevalent in boys than girls in childhood but more common in women than men in adulthood.

although the symptoms of ocd can fade, intensify or evolve over time, it is generally considered a lifetime disorder. depending on the severity of symptoms, ocd can have a profoundly negative impact on a patient, interfering with professional and personal relationships and making day-to-day life a challenge. with proper management and treatment, however, most patients can expect to live normal, productive lives.

what are the symptoms of ocd?

anxiety is the most common symptom of ocd, with patients often fearing something terrible will happen if they do not perform a certain task to alleviate an obsession. these obsessions can worsen during stressful periods and rarely resolve on their own without treatment. ocd symptoms often revolve around certain themes and can include:

fear of contamination (anxiety relates to dirt, germs and getting sick)
fear of harm (patients worry about inadvertently hurting themselves or a loved one)
a need for symmetry or exactness (objects in a patient’s life must appear in a certain pattern or order to quell fears of something bad happening)
a need for perfection (anxiety ensues if things are not 100 per cent correct)
forbidden thoughts (unwanted or inappropriate thoughts can plague patients)

compulsions are performed to ease the anxiety caused by obsessions but they generally offer no pleasure and only temporary relief. compulsions are often excessive and unrelated to the obsessions to which they are connected. examples of compulsions include:

cleaning excessively (this includes the overwashing of hands, surfaces or other objects)
checking (this can take the form of checking doors and locks to ensure everyone is safe or calling family or friends to make sure they are ok)
counting, tapping or touching (some people incorporate numbers they believe to be lucky into these rituals)
ordering or arranging (patients can be particular about the way things are placed and may want them to be lined up by, for example, colour or shape)
mental rituals (some compulsions are not visible and can involve efforts to replace bad mental images or thoughts with good versions)

how is ocd diagnosed?

ocd can be difficult to diagnose because the condition shares symptoms with other mental health disorders. myhealth alberta reports that diagnoses usually involve a physical examination and a discussion of symptoms by a health-care worker. this process can involve referral for a psychological evaluation that can offer a closer assessment of the patterns and behaviours that may be interfering with a patient’s life. it is important to be as forthcoming as possible when discussing symptoms as many people with ocd go without the treatment they need because they feel too embarrassed to discuss what they are experiencing.

can ocd be treated?

addressing the symptoms of ocd usually involves a combination of medication and therapy geared specifically to the disorder. according to the centre for addiction and mental health, this can involve the use of antidepressants (or anti-anxiety medication) and cognitive behavioural therapy to help patients identify negative or unhelpful thoughts and behaviours. group therapy with patients who are experiencing the same issues has also proven beneficial. it is important to remember that, even with the correct combination of medication and therapy, treatment is similar to recovery and can be a slow, gradual process.

what causes ocd?

as the actual cause of ocd remains largely unknown, there is not much that can be done to prevent the disorder. it is believed there may be a genetic component but the specific genes responsible have not been identified. a family history of ocd, stressful life events and other mental disorders may all be risk factors.

how many people have ocd?

according to the canadian psychological association , roughly one per cent of the population will experience an episode of ocd at some point in their lives, with the majority developing symptoms late in adolescence. very few patients experience symptoms for the first time after the age of 40.

where can i get support for ocd?

to learn more about obsessive compulsive disorder and connect with other people dealing with ocd, visit anxiety canada .

dave yasvinski is a toronto-based writer.

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dave yasvinski

ocd: do you know the signs?