Obsessive Compulsive Disorders

According to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, text revision (DSM-5-TR), there are technically no defined subtypes of OCD. However, related disorders include body dysmorphic disorder, hoarding disorder, trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder), excoriation (skin-picking) disorder, substance/medication-induced obsessive-compulsive and related disorder, obsessive-compulsive and related disorder due to another medical condition, other specified obsessive-compulsive and related disorder (e.g., nail biting, lip biting, cheek chewing, obsessional jealousy, olfactory reference disorder), and unspecified obsessive-compulsive and related disorder.  

Some of the most common related disorders are: 

• Body dysmorphic disorder: Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) occurs when a person fixates on a nonexistent or scarcely visible perceived flaw in their physical appearance. These perceived physical flaws lead them to believe that they are undesirable, unattractive, or deformed. These obsessions can involve any body part but frequently concern the skin, face, and hair. The person’s preoccupation with their imagined physical flaws causes them to engage in repetitive and ritualistic mental and behavioral actions, such as constantly looking in the mirror, attempting to conceal the offending body part, comparing themselves to others, and, in extreme cases, undergoing cosmetic surgery. Body dysmorphic disorder has a somewhat greater prevalence among women than among men. 

• Hoarding disorder: People who have hoarding disorder have a hard time letting go of their belongings, regardless of how unnecessary the items might be. As a result, they often collect large quantities of objects they do not need, which can lead to a cluttered home. Sometimes, the clutter is so great that the individual cannot use their kitchen or sleep on their bed. People who have hoarding disorder have a tough time letting go of things because they believe that they may eventually be of use, or because they have a sentimental relationship with the items. Hoarding disorder occurs at higher rates among people age 60 and older and those who have other psychiatric diagnoses, especially anxiety and depression. 

• Trichotillomania: Also known as “trich,” trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder) is a condition in which a person cannot resist the urge to pull out their hair, most commonly from the scalp, eyelids, and eyebrows. Trichotillomania is more common among teenagers and young adults and can cause significant distress and problems with social functioning. The symptoms of trich can range in severity from minor to severe. In extreme situations, trich can cause anguish, shame, or health concerns, such as tooth damage from hair biting, gastrointestinal pain, or injury from trichobezoars (masses of hair in the digestive system).  

Obsessive-compulsive disorder can lead to a wide range of distressing thoughts and behaviors that can significantly impact a person’s daily life. Signs and symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder include obsessions, compulsions, or both.  

• Obsessions: Obsessions are intrusive, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that cause intense anxiety, discomfort, and distress. Many people who have OCD recognize that these thoughts are irrational or excessive, but they have trouble controlling them. 

• Compulsions: Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental actions performed to reduce the distress a person’s obsessions can cause or to prevent perceived harm. These compulsive actions might bring temporary relief, but they can take over a person’s life if OCD is left untreated. 

Obsessions can involve: 

• Fear of germs or contamination (from the environment or other people) 

• Unwanted or taboo thoughts about sex, religion, or harming oneself or others 

• Aggressive or violent thoughts toward oneself or others 

• Excessive concerns about morality, illness, or religious rules 

• A need for symmetry, order, or things to feel “just right” 

• An intense fear of leaving something incomplete or undone 

• Anxiety about losing or discarding something important 

 

Compulsions are behaviors people feel driven to repeat, often in response to their obsessions. People who have OCD often perform their compulsions repeatedly to ease the intense discomfort their obsessions cause. While common OCD behaviors like excessive hand-washing and checking doors are well-known, symptoms can extend far beyond these examples. Additional examples of compulsive behavior include: 

 

• Excessive cleaning, showering, or brushing teeth multiple times a day 

• Arranging and organizing items to be perfectly aligned 

• Repeatedly checking things like appliances or locks to make sure that they’re secure 

• Counting or repeating actions a specific number of times 

• Seeking reassurance from others to ease doubts or fears 

 

Some people who have OCD also have tics, which are sudden, repetitive movements or sounds. These may include: 

• Motor tics: Eye blinking, shoulder shrugging, or jerking movements 

• Vocal tics: Throat clearing, sniffing, or grunting sounds 

Obsessive-compulsive disorder can affect people of all ages, genders, races, and ethnicities. While OCD can develop at any point in life, people are more vulnerable between the ages of 8 and 12 and during their late teens to early adulthood. 

The exact cause of OCD isn’t fully understood, but researchers believe that it may be linked to unusual activity involving serotonin, a chemical in the brain that helps nerve cells communicate. While low serotonin levels might contribute to OCD, other factors can also increase the risk. 

Common factors that may make someone more likely to develop symptoms of OCD include: 

• Age and gender: Males are more likely than females to develop OCD symptoms during childhood. 

• Genetics: Having a family history of OCD can increase your chances of having the disorder. 

• Other mental health conditions: Suffering from anxiety disorders or depression can raise a person’s risk for developing OCD. 

• Stressful life events: Experiencing traumatic or highly stressful events, especially during childhood, is a significant trigger for OCD. 

• Pregnancy and postpartum: Hormonal changes during or after pregnancy can worsen or trigger OCD symptoms. 

• Lifestyle factors: Struggling with things like substance abuse, unemployment, or relationship problems can increase the likelihood of having OCD. 

If you are experiencing symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder, understanding these risk factors can be a helpful step in seeking support. OCD treatment is readily available to help a person manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. 

Obsessive-compulsive disorder can affect nearly every aspect of a person’s life, often in significant ways. A person’s obsessions and compulsions can interfere with their daily routines, relationships, work, school, and overall well-being. The ways OCD can impact someone’s life include: 

• Daily life and productivity: Obsessions and compulsions can be extremely time-consuming, sometimes taking up many hours during the day. This can make it difficult to complete tasks, stick to schedules, or meet deadlines at work or school. 

• Emotional health: People who have OCD often feel overwhelmed or ashamed of their symptoms. The constant anxiety caused by their obsessions can lead to emotional exhaustion. Many people who have OCD also struggle with depression, especially if their symptoms make them feel isolated. 

• Relationships: OCD can strain relationships with family, friends, or partners. For example, loved ones may not understand the disorder or the compulsive behavior that results from having the disorder. A person’s constant reassurance-seeking can also be frustrating for loved ones. A person’s avoidance behaviors or rituals might also limit their social activities. 

• Physical health: Repetitive compulsive behaviors such as excessive hand-washing can lead to physical problems (e.g., skin irritation or injuries). Not sleeping due to intrusive thoughts or late-night rituals can also harm one’s overall health. 

• Financial stability: In severe cases, OCD may prevent someone from holding a job or keeping up with their responsibilities. Engaging in compulsions can also result in financial strain (e.g., excessive buying of cleaning supplies or replacement items). 

• Avoidance and isolation: To prevent triggering their obsessions, people who have OCD may avoid certain places, people, or activities. This can lead to social withdrawal and feelings of loneliness. 

Without treatment, OCD symptoms can worsen over time, further limiting a person’s independence and quality of life. Co-occurring conditions, such as substance abuse, may also develop as the person attempts to cope with stress.  

While OCD can be deeply challenging, it is treatable. With the right combination of therapy and medication (if needed), people who are diagnosed with OCD can regain control of their lives, build stronger relationships, and reduce the impact of symptoms. 

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a common mental health condition affecting individuals across all demographics. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 2.3% of the U.S. population experiences OCD symptoms at some point in their lives. At any given time, about 1% of the U.S. population has an active OCD diagnosis. Among U.S. adults who have OCD, about 50% report severe impairment to their ability to function. 

OCD often develops in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood. The average age of onset is around 19, but symptoms can begin as early as 8 years old. In childhood, OCD is more common in males. By adulthood, it affects men and women at roughly the same rates. Children and teens who have OCD can struggle academically and socially, impacting school performance and relationships. 

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a widespread and serious mental health condition that affects millions of Americans, but effective OCD treatment is available. If you or someone you know is experiencing OCD symptoms, reaching out for help from a reputable OCD treatment center can make a significant difference.  

PnbsMany people who have obsessive-compulsive disorder Mexperience significant relief from their symptoms by receiving treatment. The most effective treatments address each person’s specific symptoms and needs.

One of the most widely used modalities for OCD treatment is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a structured, goal-oriented method that can help people identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. CBT focuses on changing the thought patterns that lead to compulsive behaviors and reducing the distress caused by obsessions.

Another therapeutic treatment option is acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), which focuses on accepting obsessive thoughts rather than fighting them and committing to actions aligned with a person’s values. ACT can help individuals learn to live with discomfort and give them better control of their OCD symptoms.

Medication can also play a crucial role in OCD treatment. Antidepressants, specifically selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and fluvoxamine (Luvox), are often prescribed to manage symptoms. These medications can reduce the intensity of obsessions and compulsions, enhancing therapy’s effectiveness. Medication is not a required part of OCD treatment, and whether a person takes medication is determined based on their individualized treatment plan.

Group therapy can provide additional support by offering a space for individuals who have OCD to share experiences and learn coping strategies. Hearing from others who are facing similar challenges can reduce feelings of isolation. Family therapy is also beneficial, as it can help loved ones understand OCD, avoid reinforcing compulsions, and foster a supportive environment.

For people who are experiencing severe symptoms, our OCD treatment program offers residential mental health treatment options including in-depth, daily therapy that can last for weeks or months. Our residential program may combine CBT, ACT, and other therapies in a structured setting, which can lead to faster progress than outpatient OCD treatment. Additionally, mindfulness-based techniques, such as mindfulness and meditation, can be integrated into clients’ treatment to help them learn how to manage intrusive thoughts. These practices can help teach people who are suffering from OCD to observe their thoughts without judgment and can reduce anxiety and reactivity.

The most effective treatment for OCD often involves a combination of therapy and medication (when needed). With the right mental health treatment, people who have OCD can experience significant improvement in their symptoms and overall quality of life. If you are considering getting treatment, it’s essential to work with a mental health professional who has experience treating OCD to help you achieve the best results.

Receiving a proper diagnosis and treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder are important steps toward managing symptoms of the condition and improving one’s quality of life. An OCD diagnosis can only be made by a behavioral health treatment professional, based on the established diagnostic criteria in the DSM-5-TR. The treatment professional will take three factors into account when considering a diagnosis:

• The characteristics of a person’s obsession
• The person’s participation in recurrent, abnormal behaviors
• The time a person spends on obsessions and compulsions and how they interfere with their daily life

OCD is generally treated with medication, therapy, or a combination of the two. Treatment can help improve a person’s ability to function at school or work and maintain relationships, as well as their overall quality of life. Living with the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder can be overwhelming, but with the right diagnosis and treatment, it is possible to lead a balanced and fulfilling life.

At Turning Point Centers in Sandy, Utah, we provide tailored OCD treatment to meet your unique needs through our residential treatment, day treatment (also known as a partial hospitalization program or PHP), and intensive outpatient programs (IOPs). Our comprehensive services include therapy, medication management (if needed), and medical care (on a case-by-case basis), along with a focus on fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness. Our compassionate team is committed to supporting people who are navigating OCD and other mental health concerns. Through personalized care and effective OCD treatment, we can help you on your journey toward better mental health. Let us help you take the first step toward healing.

Choosing the right OCD treatment begins with finding a mental health treatment center where the staff truly understands your needs and customizes your care to meet those needs. From your first call to aftercare planning, our goal is to help you get the most out of your time with us.

While receiving OCD treatment at our facility, you’ll be in a supportive, safe, and comfortable environment, set against the stunning Wasatch Mountains. Our boutique treatment setting provides a peaceful space for rest, relaxation, and healing.

Taking the first step toward receiving treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder can feel daunting, but it’s an important part of creating a brighter future. Contact our admissions team today to learn more about how we can support you or your loved one. We’re here to listen and guide you on your path to healing.

This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at Turning Point Centers.