Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a neurodiverse condition that is characterized by the presence of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. It is important to recognize that OCD is not a choice or a personal flaw, but rather a unique aspect of an individual's neurobiology.
People with OCD may experience recurrent and persistent thoughts, impulses, or images that are unwanted and distressing. They may also engage in behaviors that are repetitive and ritualistic in an attempt to reduce the anxiety or distress caused by these thoughts. These behaviors and thoughts are not intentional and are not a sign of personal weakness or a lack of self-control. Rather, they are a manifestation of the individual's neurodiversity and the ways in which their brain functions differently from the neurotypical brain.
There is no known cause of OCD, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors. It is thought to be related to imbalances in certain chemicals in the brain, particularly serotonin.
Symptoms of OCD can range from mild to severe and can interfere with a person's ability to function in daily life. Common obsessive thoughts in people with OCD include fear of contamination, fear of causing harm to oneself or others, and a need for symmetry or order. Common compulsive behaviors include hand washing, checking, and arranging.
It is important to recognize that individuals with OCD are not alone in their experiences and that there is help available. OCD is typically treated with a combination of medication and therapy. Antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are often effective in reducing the symptoms of OCD. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that can be helpful in teaching people with OCD how to manage their thoughts and behaviors.
It is important for individuals with OCD to seek treatment as soon as possible in order to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. If you or someone you know is struggling with OCD, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional. With the right treatment and support, it is possible to effectively manage OCD and lead a fulfilling life. It is important to remember that neurodiversity is a strength and that individuals with OCD have unique experiences and perspectives that contribute to the richness of our society.
Treatment of OCD
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is typically treated with a combination of medication and therapy. The most common medications used to treat OCD are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are a type of antidepressant. SSRIs work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which is a chemical that is thought to be involved in the regulation of mood and behavior. Other medications that may be used to treat OCD include tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and benzodiazepines.
In addition to medication, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often an effective treatment for OCD. CBT is a type of therapy that focuses on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It can help people with OCD learn how to identify and challenge their obsessive thoughts and reduce their compulsive behaviors.
Exposure and response prevention (ERP) is a type of CBT that is specifically designed for the treatment of OCD. It involves gradually exposing the individual to the things they fear or find anxiety-provoking and teaching them how to respond to these situations in a way that does not involve engaging in their compulsive behaviors.
Other types of therapy that may be helpful in the treatment of OCD include acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), internal family systems (IFS), and mindfulness-based therapies.
It is important for individuals with OCD to work with a mental health professional to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for their needs. With the right treatment and support, it is possible to effectively manage OCD and lead a fulfilling life.
Exposure Response Prevention Therapy
Exposure and response prevention (ERP) is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) that is specifically designed for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It involves gradually exposing the individual to the things they fear or find anxiety-provoking (the exposure part) and teaching them how to respond to these situations in a way that does not involve engaging in their compulsive behaviors (the response prevention part).
ERP is typically conducted by a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or a licensed therapist, and is typically conducted on an outpatient basis. It typically involves the following steps:
-
Assessment: The therapist will assess the individual's symptoms, the severity of their OCD, and their level of distress in order to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to their specific needs.
-
Education: The therapist will educate the individual about OCD and how ERP works. This may include discussing the nature of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors, and how these thoughts and behaviors maintain the cycle of OCD.
-
Developing a hierarchy: The therapist will work with the individual to develop a hierarchy of anxiety-provoking situations, starting with the least anxiety-provoking and working up to the most anxiety-provoking. This hierarchy will be used as a guide for the exposure portion of treatment.
-
Exposures: The therapist will guide the individual through a series of exposures, starting with the least anxiety-provoking situation on the hierarchy and gradually working up to the most anxiety-provoking. The individual will be asked to confront their feared thoughts or situations and resist engaging in their compulsive behaviors.
-
Response prevention: The therapist will teach the individual how to respond to their obsessive thoughts and anxiety-provoking situations in a way that does not involve engaging in their compulsive behaviors. This may involve using relaxation techniques or other coping strategies to manage their anxiety.
-
Maintenance and generalization: The therapist will work with the individual to develop strategies for maintaining their progress and generalizing their skills to new situations. This may involve discussing triggers for OCD symptoms and how to manage them, as well as developing a plan for ongoing support.
ERP can be a challenging treatment, as it requires individuals to confront their fears and anxiety directly. However, it has been found to be highly effective in reducing OCD symptoms and improving quality of life. It is important for individuals to work with a mental health professional to determine if ERP is an appropriate treatment option for them.
Brain Lock - Understanding OCD
Brain Lock is a self-help book written by Dr. Jeffrey M. Schwartz that provides a four-step program for overcoming obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Dr. Schwartz brings awareness of the biological causes of OCD. The brain areas that are involved in OCD include the basal ganglia, the orbitofrontal cortex, and the thalamus. The basal ganglia are a group of structures in the brain that are involved in the control of voluntary movements, habits, and emotional responses. The orbitofrontal cortex is an area of the brain that is involved in decision-making, impulse control, and emotional regulation. The thalamus is a structure in the brain that acts as a relay station for sensory information. Dysfunction in these brain areas can lead to the development of obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Based on this Dr. Schwartz then identifies the four steps needed to work with instead of against your brain when dealing with OCD:
-
Relabel: This step involves recognizing that the obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors associated with OCD are the result of the brain's malfunction, and not a reflection of the individual's character or personal worth. By relabeling the thoughts and behaviors as "OCD," the individual can begin to see them as separate from themselves.
-
Reattribute: This step involves understanding that the obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors are not based in reality and are not under the individual's conscious control. By attributing the thoughts and behaviors to the brain's malfunction, the individual can begin to see them as an automatic response that does not reflect their true beliefs or values.
-
Refocus: This step involves using mindfulness techniques to redirect attention away from the obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors, and towards activities that are enjoyable or meaningful. By refocusing their attention, the individual can begin to break the cycle of OCD.
-
Revalue: This step involves reevaluating the importance of the obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors, and seeing them as less significant or relevant. By revaluing the thoughts and behaviors, the individual can begin to detach from them and view them as less threatening.
The four steps of the program outlined in Brain Lock are intended to be used in conjunction with other forms of treatment, such as medication and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). It is important for individuals with OCD to work with a mental health professional to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for their needs.
Links and Resources
Here are a few links to resources that may be helpful in finding neurodiversity-affirming information about obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD):
-
Wendy Katz Erwin blogs about her experience as an individual with autism and OCD. https://neuroclastic.com/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/
-
Obsessively Ever After is the Instagram page of Alegra Kastens who is an LMFT with OCD. https://www.instagram.com/obsessivelyeverafter/
-
Neurodivergent Insights is an amazing website and in this post Dr. Neff, and autistic ADHD psychologist takes a look at the differences and the overlap between OCD, ADHD and autism. https://neurodivergentinsights.com/misdiagnosis-monday/adhd-vs-autism-vs-ocd
-
Eric Kuper shares his OCD story in the Dharma of OCD, sharing a Buddhist perspective of finding the middle path with OCD. I always pull elements of Buddhist practice into OCD treatment. Although many people will tell you to 'fight' your OCD, anything we have a strong aversion or attraction to will be consuming quite a bit of our life energy. https://theocdstories.com/podcast/eric-kupers-the-dharma-of-ocd/
-
The Mindfulness Workbook for OCD: A Guide to Overcoming Obsessions and Compulsions Using Mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16158314-the-mindfulness-workbook-for-ocd
The Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale Symptom Checklist - This list is worth browsing to understand the different ways OCD manifests.
I hope these resources are helpful! If you have any further questions or would like additional resources, don't hesitate to ask.
.png)