OCD Definition: What Does OCD Mean?

Have you ever looked up, “OCD Definition” or wondered, “What does OCD mean?” In this article, we’ll give you an OCD definition, explain what OCD stands for, and list some symptoms of this condition.

What Does OCD Mean?

OCD is the abbreviation of a condition called Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. In terms of an OCD definition, let’s start with the criteria for a diagnosis.

To meet the criteria of being diagnosed with OCD, an individual must have both compulsions and obsessions. Compulsions are things you do on a habitual basis, perhaps like the constant washing of hands. Obsessions are unwanted urges, images of thoughts you can’t shake. They are difficult, if not impossible, to clear out of your head. Obsessions cause distress and anxiety.

The compulsions come as the individual attempts to suppress, neutralize, or ignore the unwanted thoughts. Compulsions involve actions or thoughts that seemingly detour the stressful obsessive thoughts or feelings. The individual may or may not be aware of the reason they are acting compulsively. The compulsion and obsession may or may not be directly related to one another.

An individual might compulsively purchase things online. That alone does not qualify as having OCD without the obsession behind the compulsive act. But, if the obsession is the fear of being alone and purchasing things makes her feel less lonely because she has “stuff” to keep her company, then it likely qualifies as OCD.

There are a myriad of mental actions that can be part of the OCD scenario. Repetitively counting, repeating words, and praying over and over are all examples of compulsions that are obsession driven.

A person may feel they must strictly adhere to rule and regulation and the actions performed may be in conjunction with trying to redeem themselves from damnation or whatever the individual case would be. They may constantly feel that something very dreadful is about to happen and continually attempt to distract themselves with activities like shopping, housework, or performing unneeded maintenance on the family vehicles.

It is vital to keep in mind that the compulsions aren’t related to something that is realistically connected. If counting cars on the highway really kept one safe, the obsession and compulsion would make sense and would not be considered as an OCD. But, since there is no reality in the two nor a viable connection, they are considered to be a disorder.

Another characteristic OCD must have is that the compulsions and obsessions must interfere with normal life. In fact, they must take up over an hour per day. That separates normal anxiety and reactions from the abnormal ones within OCD.

There is also such a thing as a person only having compulsions or only displaying obsessions. In this case, they would not meet the requirements of a clinical OCD issue. There may be another mental condition they have, however. There are many different mental disorders which may entail having one or the other problem. To have OCD though, both must be present.

Differential diagnosis entail suggestions that are given for a mental health provider of a different condition that might help explain the symptoms that an individual are experiencing which are not classified as OCD. You might go in to be diagnosed for OCD but come out with a different diagnosis altogether.

Some anxiety disorders that are possibilities are: eating disorders, psychotic disorders, stereotyped movements, tics, and a number of other disorders. There are even conditions that relate very closely to OCD such as obsessive and compulsive personality disorder which aren’t qualified in the OCD diagnosis.

Anxiety disorders entail conditions like social anxiety and specific phobias which are similar yet not the exact same as having OCD. They tend to focus more on fears in particular such as being afraid of situations or objects. The individual may go way out of their way in order to avoid those things. Still, that is not within the limits of the official diagnosis of OCD.

Dysmorphic Disorder that has to do with the body and physical appearance is another mental condition that involves obsessive and also compulsive behaviors and though but it is not OCD. Others along the same line are Hording Disorder (the fear of letting go of things or discarding them), Trichotillomania (pulling of hair on a constant or near constant basis), and Tis (repeating certain movements). While all of the above are mental ailments that can be very serious, they do not meet the qualifications of OCD.

Psychotic disorders can have the same appearance as OCD since they also involve delusion-based thinking or poor insight, but because of poor insight or delusion-based thinking, but OCD does not involve additional psychotic symptoms.

Some compulsive-based behaviors, like sexual0rooted behavioral problems, or substance abuse can look much like compulsions. The difference, however, is that individuals gain some sort of pleasure in carrying out those behaviors whereas with OCD, no pleasure is derived.

OCP is a personality disorder which does share some characteristics but is not OCD. It doesn’t entail thoughts that are intrusive in nature or repeated images, behaviors, or urges.

Symptoms and Signs of OCD

There may be physical symptoms which are seen in those who have OCD. Being agitated, repeating actions, repeating words, being overly impulsive, hoarding, and performing rituals are all things that are often seen in individuals with OCD. Compulsions exhibited by those with OCD are usually ones that attempt to diminish or decrease anxiety.

A person who suffers from OCD can get very upset if they are prevented from doing whatever it is they do in order to try to stop the anxiety they are experiencing. They react many times out of fear because the anxiety they are engulfed with is completely more than they can deal with. While a person may appear to be crazy at times, they are not. These things are very typical for those who have OCD.

It is very common for those with OCD to have social isolation issues. Such issues are often a sign that an individual’s mental health is at risk. It is not unusual at all for those with OCD to have fears that if they go outside or leave their safety net, something bad will happen. These types of feelings are very consistent with OCD symptoms.

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There are moods that are common to individuals with OCD. High anxiety seems to be present in most who suffer from the condition although everyone who has high anxiety certainly doesn’t have OCD. Those who have OCD can become so anxious and stressed out they are unable to function properly.

They become blocked, in a sense, from performing normal tasks and get sidetracked doing senseless things. The fact that they don’t get things they need to do done is frustrating in itself and that can lead to more anxiety. It is a circle which can seem overwhelming.

Anxiety, when in full force, can actually prevent someone from taking part in everyday life. They may cease to drive, keep a steady job, clean house, or even may stop keeping their hygiene up. In turn, they try to calm their high anxiety by rituals, certain actions, or whatever it is they tend to do as a compulsion. When their high anxiety is not waivered by the compulsion, it is very likely they will have a panic attack.

Depression is common in those who have OCD. They tend to hide their fears, thoughts, and illness and become inwardly immobile and very sad and hopeless. This is a frightful state for anyone to be in, especially one who has OCD.

These intense internal feelings can surface as such behaviors as agitation, anger, or irritation. It is imperative to keep an open communication line with someone who is not going to judge and who will do their best to love and understand you or the person who is afflicted with OCD. It is a heavy cross to bear alone.

What Can Be Done About OCD?

In the event that you’re thinking you might be suffering from OCD after reading the information that’s been presented, be sure to speak with your doctor so you can gather more information. A conversation between you and your doctor can shine a light on many things including your feelings, your symptoms, and what should be done so you can take steps to function and even to thrive despite having OCD. Yes, it is possible.

It’s a good idea to ask your physician for a referral to a good psychiatrist who can help you and who is appropriate for you and your given situation. Your doctor may also recommend that you see a therapist and a support group may also be advised.

Parents of children with OCD are in a tough position too. In addition to getting help for your child, you’ll most likely need a support group for yourself. A support group can help you with your anxiety and assist you in dealing with society’s possible reactions. You’ll find shoulders to lean on and people you respect and learn from in a group for parents of OCD children.

Patience with your OCD child is difficult to have at times but is necessary in order to help your beloved child overcome the anxiety that is rooted in this mental illness. There are a number of treatments such as CBT, ERP, and so forth which have been proven effective in OCD treatment.

If you’re a teacher who’s observing symptoms and signs which you feel are possible OCD in nature, you can and should report such findings so that treatment can begin.

What Treatments are Recommended for OCD?

There are some EBT, or Evidence-Based Treatments, which can be implemented as therapy for those with OCD. In addition, CBT, or Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy can often help as well. Also, support groups have proven to be very effective, along with ERP which intentionally exposes an individual to the very problem he is trying to escape.

CBT is an approach that focuses on making changes in thought patterns and in thoughts themselves and in turn, changing behaviors and emotions as a direct result. This treatment is good for OCD since it seeks that do away with irrational thoughts and irrational behaviors.

ERP can assist those who suffer from OCD because it puts them in the midst of what they fear or dread the most and helps teach them to respond to the stimuli in a constructive, positive way.

Support groups can be extremely helpful for individuals with OCD because they provide the ongoing and unconditional emotional support individuals need in order to feel that they belong and that they are not isolated in their OCD struggles. They can glean from others who suffer from it and learn ways to effectively deal with it.

Talking to a physician or psychiatrist is wise too. They are able to give you medications if needed which is very helpful for some.

What Now?

If you feel you may have OCD or if you know someone else who’s struggling with it, reach out to your physician or a trained therapist immediately. Having the advice and assistance is imperative because this disorder it too much to handle alone.

We welcome you to our center. We have dedicated and loving Christian counselors who would be honored to help you. With counseling, you’ll be fully able to make positive changes and to heal and grow with Christ’s help.

If you prefer a secular therapy setting, that can be arranged as well. God is never forced on anyone at our center. We also refer you to other counselors who totally work in secular settings and if you cannot afford the fees of a private practice, there are places that can still offer you help. We want to make sure you get help somewhere, even if it is not from our facility.

If you’re seeking a Christ based counselor, we urge you to set up a time to meet with our ERP or CBT trained specialists at Seattle Christian Counseling. You can call or email today and you’ll receive your risk-free initial session. You aren’t alone. Your therapist will be there for you through every step of the way. Get help today and begin your life anew.