Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders (Dr. Kathleen Ayers)
For some people, being organized is natural, while for others, being unorganized is natural. Some people can become extremely unorganized and some can become excessively organized. For someone with obsessive-compulsive disorder, the organization becomes extreme and disruptive. Such people can spend endless hours cleaning their home, washing their hands, taking showers, tidying up, and checking. When these activities interfere with normal life, it is considered to be an anxiety disorder.
An obsession is a recurring thought, image, idea or impulse that makes no sense but continues to intrude into someone’s mind. Any one of these can occur, from wondering if you left the stove/lights/oven, etc. on, to worrying that you just ran over someone while driving. Some people have thoughts of violence towards others. People recognize that these thoughts are intrusive and unreasonable. While they keep trying to tell themselves this, they continue checking, washing, etc. Finally that person can’t keep the thoughts from intruding, and many people (though not all) develop rituals or compulsions to get rid of the thoughts.
These actions are compulsions, such as checking the stove over and over again to be sure it’s off, or checking the front door to be sure it’s locked, washing your hands many times to get rid of germs, or stopping your car and checking to be sure you didn’t run over someone. Again, people realize that their actions and thoughts are irrational, but experience extreme anxiety if they are unable to complete the compulsive behaviours. It becomes a constant struggle to want to give up the compulsion, and to not experience the anxiety that occurs when the compulsion can’t be carried out. Some people have counting compulsions; they must repeat a word or phrase, or perform an action a certain number of times to lower their anxiety.
In addition to their anxiety, people can become depressed as the compulsions interfere with their daily lives and relationships. They also realize that what they think and do are not rational, but feel unable to control their actions. Many people are afraid to discuss their thoughts and actions, but sometimes are forced to seek help when their behaviours threaten a close relationship. When they do finally seek help, they find relief from both medications (include complementary medications) and psychotherapy. Cognitive therapy has been shown to be the most effective psychotherapy. Some people find relief through therapy alone, and others benefit from seeing a physician, homeopath, or naturopath. Treatment can take a few to several months, depending on the severity of the obsessions and compulsions.