Dear Doctor K: The term OCD is used so casually these days. How can you identify someone who truly has obsessive-compulsive disorder?
Dear Reader: The two defining symptoms of OCD are obsessive thoughts and compulsive rituals.
Obsessions are persistent, repeated, anxiety-provoking or distressing thoughts. They intrude into a person’s consciousness. Here are some common ones: fear of contamination; fears related to accidents or acts of violence; and fears concerning disorder or asymmetry.
Compulsive rituals are persistent, excessive, repetitive behaviors. The goal of the ritual is to reduce the anxiety caused by obsessive thoughts. Examples include repeated washing or bathing; refusal to shake hands or touch doorknobs; repeated checking of locks or stoves; compulsive counting of objects; over-organizing work or household items; and repeating specific words or prayers.
In OCD, the obsessions and compulsions are excessive and distressing. They are time-consuming. They may interfere with personal relationships, and performance at work or school.
The most effective treatment for OCD is a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly used to treat OCD. They include sertraline (Zoloft) and citalopram (Celexa). Tricyclic antidepressants also may be effective, particularly clomipramine (Anafranil).
A number of psychotherapy techniques may be helpful. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help a person with OCD recognize the unreasonableness of fearful, obsessive thinking. The therapist sometimes teaches specialized techniques that can help extinguish the compulsions.
So OCD is a matter of degree. If your obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors occur throughout the day, and interfere with life at home or at work, you’ve got a problem – and several possible solutions.
Write Dr. K at www.AskDoctorK.com or c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut, Kansas City, MO 64106
