Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental disorder that causes persistent and intrusive thoughts and behaviors. It can be challenging to recognize when someone you love is struggling with OCD, but some telltale signs indicate they may need professional help. If your loved one exhibits these symptoms of OCD, seeking the proper treatment is vital. Call 940.360.4245 to learn more about the signs of obsessive-compulsive disorder and OCD treatment in Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas at Connection Wellness Group’s mental health centers all over the state.
What Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
When most people think of OCD, they think of how it’s presented in media—people being excessively neat, orderly, or obsessive about details. While those signs may be true for some people struggling with OCD, it is not always the case and can vary from person to person.
Generally speaking, OCD is an anxiety disorder in which people experience recurring thoughts—obsessions—and repetitive behaviors or compulsions.
Obsessions
Common obsessions among those struggling with OCD include:
- Excessive worry about order or symmetry
- Fear of contamination
- Unwanted sexual thoughts
Obsessions involve intrusive thoughts or urges that cause severe anxiety and distress.
Compulsions
Compulsions are usually an attempt to offset the anxiety caused by obsessions. People with OCD often feel driven to perform repetitive behaviors, such as:
- Arranging objects in an order
- Cleaning and washing rituals
- Counting
Compulsions are not pleasurable activities, but performing them temporarily relieves anxiety.
5 Signs of OCD You May Observe in Your Loved One
1. Excessive Fear of Contamination
People struggling with OCD often fear contamination from dirt, germs, mold, and other contaminants, which can cause them to obsessively wash their hands or avoid particular objects or places entirely. Excessive hand-washing is a typical sign of obsessive-compulsive disorder and is not necessarily indicative of the desire to maintain personal hygiene.
2. Performing Rituals
Rituals such as counting items over and over again, repeating phrases or words silently, or checking things multiple times are common among people struggling with OCD. These rituals temporarily relieve the obsession but ultimately result in more stress because they take up so much time throughout the day.
3. Avoidance Behaviors
People struggling with OCD may go out of their way to avoid particular objects or situations that trigger their obsessions to reduce anxiety levels. They may also avoid doing specific tasks if they think it will result in harm to themselves or someone else—even if this harm isn’t likely.
4. Perfectionism
Perfectionism isn’t always a symptom of OCD. Still, it could be indicative if taken to an extreme level where a person has high standards for themselves that are impossible to meet even after repeated attempts at trying to do so perfectly every single time.
5. Distorted Thinking
People struggling with OCD often experience distorted thinking patterns where they make assumptions about how things should be done “correctly” or “perfectly” without taking into account any potential errors on their part. They then become preoccupied with ensuring everything is done correctly, according to these standards, even though it isn’t necessarily logical for them to do so.
What Comprises OCD Treatment?
Treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder typically involves the following:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Coping strategies like mindfulness and relaxation techniques
- Family therapy
- Lifestyle changes
- Medication management
- Support groups
It’s crucial for those affected by this disorder and those who love them to understand what treatment options are available so they can find the best fit for them based on their individual needs and preferences.
Find OCD Treatment in Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas with Connections Wellness Group
If your loved one is exhibiting any signs of OCD, you must seek professional help. At Connections Wellness Group in Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, our staff is familiar with the symptoms of OCD. We can create a mental health treatment plan tailored to your loved one’s unique situation. Contact Connections Wellness Group today at 940.360.4245 to learn more about OCD treatment options in Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas.
