What exactly is OCD?
Awareness of mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression has greatly improved in recent years, and more people than ever before know how to spot the signs and where to get help. And as brilliant as that is, it’s important to remember there’s more mental health disorders than just these two.
Despite affecting approximately 2 per cent of the population, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is still relatively misunderstood – after all, how many of us have heard “I’m so OCD!” from friends or family who have more than likely NOT been diagnosed with it?
But the reality of OCD is more than what you’ve been made to believe. Just because you hate mess and clutter or often feel the need to double check that you locked the back door doesn’t mean you have OCD.
OCD is technically a form of anxiety, and, like all mental illnesses, can manifest differently in each person. Just as depression can make some people quiet and closed off while making others irrationally angry, OCD can display as excessive repetition of certain actions in some people or agoraphobia (fear of leaving safe, known environments) in others.
So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at the signs and symptoms that may indicate OCD according to SANE Australia.
Obsessions
- Fear of being contaminated with dirt, germs and chemicals.
- Fear of being harmed or becoming ill.
- Intrusive thoughts of violence.
- Fixation on symmetry, order and routine.
- Strong, irrational fear (phobia) of everyday items and situations.
Compulsions
- Excessively washing hands or other body parts.
- Constant counting and ordering of objects.
- Excessively checking doors and windows are locked, appliances are switched off etc.
- Tapping, touching and counting a certain number of times or in a particular way.
- Mentally repeating words or numbers a certain number of times.
It’s important to know there is plenty of help out there for people suffering from OCD, from psychological therapy (including anxiety management techniques) to medication. If you’re concerned, book an appointment with your GP.