Certain behaviors can mimic obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) If someone is highly focused on attention to detail, or is preoccupied with organization or maintaining an uncluttered environment, it does not necessarily mean they truly have OCD.
In childhood, there can be some cases of confusion between children who exhibit behaviors characteristic of autism like repetitive behaviors. Children who have OCD generally do not lack the social skills like their peers with spectrum disorders.
If you do suspect you or a loved one is suffering from OCD, one sign is that their compulsions have an affect on their daily life, either inhibiting necessary activities or being overly focused on other activities to the point that it is unproductive.
How do I know if I might have OCD?
OCD is characterized by intrusive thoughts, images or urges that usually cause anxiety or distress. Two related types of behavior that that often independently indicate that someone has OCD are that a person feels impelled to perform certain repetitive acts in relation to an obsession or that they must religiously follow self-imposed rules to achieve completion of a goal or an activity.
Avoiding activities that can trigger obsessions or compulsions, excessive time spent acting on compulsions, avoiding going to the doctor because of contamination concerns and avoiding interactions with family and friends due to fear of harm have historically been indications of obsessive compulsive behavior.
OCD usually begins in childhood, and persists into adulthood. Studies have indicated that there is a genetic component to the disease, particularly as it relates to childhood onset. The mean age of onset for OCD in the US in 19.5 years, with 25% of the cases beginning at 14 years old.
OCD Treatment Options: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Medication & More
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor medications (SSRIs) both achieve positive outcomes for treating OCD as supported by randomized trials. SSRIs denote antidepressant medications, including Fluoxetine and Clomipramine, which inhibits the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine in the nervous system.
CBT is a set of behavioral techniques that is used to modify patterns of maladaptive behaviors. CBT has been shown to be effective for OCD at all levels of symptom severity.
It is important to understand whether you are simply a compulsive person or someone who may have OCD. There are different and effective treatment options available if you suspect this may be the case for your or a loved one.
Centerway Behavioral Health can Help You Determine if You Have OCD
Contact us to schedule a consultation.