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Living with OCDInvisible Identity Series

February 20, 2014

OCD

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a disorder of the brain and behavior. OCD causes severe anxiety in those affected.

OCD involves both obsessions and compulsions that take a lot of time and get in the way of important activities the person values. 

OCS falls under the Diagnostic Criteria for an Anxiety Disorder

The symptoms of OCD are the obsessions and compulsions and may vary…..Common Obsessions include:

• Repeatedly bathing, showering, or washing hands.

• Refusing to shake hands or touch doorknobs.

• Repeatedly checking things, such as locks or stoves.

• Constant counting, mentally or aloud, while performing routine tasks.

• Constantly arranging things in a certain way.

• Eating foods in a specific order.

• Being stuck on words, images or thoughts, usually disturbing, that won't go away and can interfere with sleep.

• Repeating specific words, phrases, or prayers.

• Needing to perform tasks a certain number of times.

• Collecting or hoarding items with no apparent value.

The symptoms of OCD are the obsessions and compulsions and may vary…..

Common Compulsions include:

• Fear of dirt or contamination by germs.

• Fear of causing harm to another.

• Fear of making a mistake.

• Fear of being embarrassed or behaving in a socially unacceptable manner.

• Fear of thinking evil or sinful thoughts.

• Need for order, symmetry, or exactness.

• Excessive doubt and the need for constant reassurance.

Some Familiar Names With OCD

Charles Darwin

Billy Bob Thornton

Jessica Alba

Donald Trump

Cameron Diaz

Leonardo DiCaprio

Michael Jackson

Harrison Ford

Penelope Cruz

Howie Mandel

Ludwig Van Beethoven

Albert Einstein

Michelangelo

Charlie Sheen

David Beckham

Justin Timberlake

Video ClipOCD GIRL

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=OCD%20girl&sm=3

Diagnostic Criteria

Recurrent and persistent thoughts, impulses, or images that are experienced, at some time during the disturbance, as intrusive and inappropriate and that cause marked anxiety or distress

The thoughts, impulses, or images are not simply excessive worries about real-life problems

The person attempts to ignore or suppress such thoughts, impulses, or images or to neutralize them with some other thought or action

The person recognizes that the obsessional thoughts, impulses, or images are a product of his or her own mind (not imposed from without as in thought insertion)

The Person Exhibits Either Obsessions or Compulsions

Diagnostic Criteria

The person has repetitive behaviors (eg, hand washing, ordering, checking) or mental acts (eg, praying, counting, repeating words silently) that the person feels driven to perform in response to an obsession or according to rules that must be applied rigidly

The behaviors or mental acts are aimed at preventing some dreaded event or situation; however, these behaviors or mental acts either are not connected in a realistic way with what they are designed to neutralize or prevent or are clearly excessive…

B. At some point during the course of the disorder, the person has recognized that the obsessions or compulsions are excessive or unreasonable. (Note: this does not apply to children.)

C. The obsessions or compulsions cause marked distress, are time consuming (take more than 1 hour a day), or significantly interfere with the person's normal routine, occupational/academic functioning, or usual social activities or relationships.

D. If another axis I disorder is present, the content of the obsessions or compulsions is not restricted to it (e.g., preoccupation with drugs in the presence of a substance abuse disorder).

E. The disturbance is not due to the direct physiologic effects of a substance (e.g., drug abuse, a medication) or a general medical condition

Compulsions are indicated by the following:

Causes

• OCD usually appears in early adulthood, although children can have it too. In such cases, the disorder usually appears around age 10 [source: Mayo Clinic]. The actual causes of the disease remain unknown, though it likely has a hereditary component [source: NIH]. Stress also seems to boost one's chances of developing OCD, while many OCD-related thoughts and rituals can themselves inflict enormous stress. Recent research indicates a relationship between the areas of the brain associated with decision-making, movement, and checking or stopping thoughts; over activity in this mental circuit could contribute to the disorder [source: Men's Health].

How Common?

OCD affects men, women and children of all races and backgrounds equally

According to the OC Foundation, approximately one in 40 adults and one in 200 children suffers from OCD at some point in their lives

There are also at least 1 in 200 – or 500,000 – kids and teens that have OCD.  This is about the same number of kids who have diabetes.  

That means four or five kids with OCD are likely to be enrolled in any average size elementary school.  In a medium to large high school, there could be 20 students struggling with the challenges caused by OCD.

Living with Me and My OCD by Claire Watkinson

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctosmjX4xp0&list=PL8641E4ASu9nqkencpHBefenK7sehKDda

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Living on CampusThe most important considerations regarding OCD and living on campus include:Being aware of disorders such as OCD, as well as understanding of others and being knowledgeable of residence hall policies

One of the greatest challenges tends to be living with roommates..• If you/your roommate are having disagreements due to a pre-existing condition

such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, first have a conversation to identify where each person is coming from.

• If you feel that you are unable to understand each other and need further assistance, you should go to your resident advisor (RA). RA’s are equipped with certain tools/training to deal with day-to-day conflicts. One tool example is a standard roommate agreement developed by the Office of Residence Life. This agreement covers many of the living arrangement aspects that may be affected by compulsions, such as cleaning and sleep preferences.

• Should the situation escalate, you should reach out to the hall director (commonly referred to as the RD or CD) of your building. This person will give you a better idea of what your options may be as far as long term solutions (room changes, etc.) and may identify the most valuable campus resources to help those involved in the situation.

Functional Impairments on Campus

• Reduced quality of life• Reduced quality in

relationships• Inability to do work in

school• Inability to complete

homework• Reduction in psycho-

social functioning

Functional Impairments on Campus

OCD Has lead to…….

• Difficulty in Completing Work

• Agitation

• Conflicts

• Depression

• Isolation

• Difficulty Working in Group

• Lack of Sleep

• Family/Roommate Conflicts

Co-Morbidity

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2WdpTLokkc

Co-Morbidity

OCD is an Anxiety Disorder and can be associated with: ADHD

ASD

Mood Disorders (Depression, Bi –Polar)

Tic Disorders

Panic Disorders

Psychosis

Hoarding

* Non Response to treatment usually involves a Co-Morbid Condition

The International OCD Foundation at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, MA is the best place for resources. This is the link:

• www.ocfoundation.org/ITP.aspx

Here you will find recommended books for parents, family, professionals, OCD patients, teachers, etc.

You will also find other resources that may be helpful.

Resources

Treatmentsfor Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Cognitive Behavioral therapy

Exposure Therapy

Cognitive Retraining

Medication Management

SSRI’s

Family Therapy

Group Therapy

Relaxation Therapy

Exercise

Diet

Self Regulation (relaxation techniques)

Avoid Alcohol