Is It OCD? and Overcoming Obsessive Behaviors - Psychiatry

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Is it obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)? How can it be resolved?


Two years ago, a family member was hospitalized, and due to their weakened immune system, we had to maintain a very clean environment.
This made me more concerned about another family member's athlete's foot, so I began to feel that anything they touched was dirty.
I would clean surfaces they came into contact with at least twice before touching them myself.
Even if they walked on the floor wearing slippers, I still felt it was dirty.
As a result, whenever I walked on floors outside my own room, I would wash my feet before entering my room, which I did frequently—about 80 to 90 percent of the time.
Later, I noticed that others did not share this concern, and when they touched surfaces that had been walked on, I began to feel those areas were dirty too.
If I accidentally touched something, I would feel a bit upset.
I felt compelled to wash my feet before entering my room or before eating, as I couldn't accept the possibility that my bed might be dirty.
I would want to clean my room thoroughly, but I didn't mind having a laundry basket in my room; I would just avoid it.
If my body accidentally brushed against it, I felt the need to wash again.
Recently, I even started to care about the washing machine, which I previously ignored, because it is shared with family members.
However, when they do laundry or hang clothes, they often do other things around the house first, making me feel that the surfaces of the washing machine, including the buttons and handles, are dirty and need to be wiped down.
Almost every time I do laundry, I have to clean it.
Sometimes, if I accidentally touch a spot that hasn't been cleaned, I feel the need to rewash that piece of clothing.
If that clothing touches others, those also need to be rewashed.
As a result, I often end up washing ten pieces of clothing but only drying seven, with the others needing to be rewashed, which is very frustrating.
I have tried not to wash and to ignore these feelings, but I find myself thinking about it all afternoon and evening, ultimately leading me to rewash the clothes.
Additionally, I feel that when family members walk past my freshly dried clothes, they might dirty them, prompting me to rewash those clothes, which leads to an endless cycle of laundry.
I also check multiple times to ensure the door is locked after I lock it, and I do the same with the gas, refrigerator door, and motorcycle handle.
However, if I am nearby, I don't mind as much.
If I step out briefly to buy something, I don't frequently check if the motorcycle handle is locked; I can lock the door, turn off the gas, close the refrigerator door, and lock the handle normally.
But once I plan to leave or rest upstairs for an extended period, these concerns arise.
Could this be obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)? Can I overcome it on my own? I feel like these issues didn't bother me before, so why am I so concerned now? I think I shouldn't care about these things, but if they remain unresolved, I can't stop thinking about them.
Thank you for your help, doctor!

L, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/05/13

Dr. Wang Zhenyang reply Psychiatry


Hello, Miss: Based on your description, it seems that your repetitive cleaning activities, which consume a lot of your time, are causing you significant distress, indicating that you may be experiencing obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
I recommend that you consult a psychiatrist or a mental health specialist.
The use of antidepressants and engaging in psychotherapy could be beneficial for you.
Thank you.
Dr.
Wang Zhenyang, Attending Physician and Director, Community Psychiatry Department, Taoyuan Psychiatric Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, No.
71 Longshou Street, Taoyuan District, Taoyuan City, TEL: 03-3698553 ext 2027 FAX: 03-3699498

Reply Date: 2019/05/13

More Info


Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) that an individual feels driven to perform. Based on your description, it appears that you may be experiencing symptoms consistent with OCD, particularly in relation to cleanliness and checking behaviors.

Your concerns about cleanliness, especially regarding the fear of contamination from family members and objects, align with common obsessions seen in OCD. The compulsive behaviors you describe—such as washing your feet multiple times, cleaning surfaces, and re-washing clothes—are also typical of OCD. The distress you feel when you perceive that something is dirty or contaminated, and the compulsion to wash or clean to alleviate that distress, further support this possibility.

The fact that you have noticed these behaviors intensifying after a family member's hospitalization suggests that a specific event may have triggered or exacerbated your anxiety about cleanliness and contamination. This is not uncommon; significant stressors or changes in life circumstances can lead to the development or worsening of OCD symptoms.

In terms of whether you can overcome these behaviors on your own, it is important to recognize that while self-help strategies can be beneficial, OCD often requires more structured interventions for effective management. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), particularly a subtype called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), is considered the gold standard treatment for OCD. ERP involves gradually exposing yourself to the sources of your anxiety (in this case, situations that you perceive as dirty) while refraining from performing the compulsive behaviors (like washing or cleaning). This process can help reduce the anxiety associated with the obsessions over time.

Additionally, some individuals find that medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can be helpful in managing OCD symptoms. Consulting with a mental health professional can provide you with a comprehensive assessment and tailored treatment plan that may include therapy, medication, or a combination of both.

It's also worth noting that OCD is a treatable condition, and many people experience significant improvement with appropriate interventions. If you feel overwhelmed by your symptoms or if they are interfering with your daily life, seeking help from a mental health professional is a crucial step. They can provide you with the tools and support necessary to manage your symptoms effectively.

In summary, based on your description, it is possible that you are experiencing OCD. While self-help strategies can be a starting point, professional guidance is often necessary for effective treatment. Remember, you are not alone in this, and help is available. Seeking support can lead to a better understanding of your condition and a path toward managing your symptoms more effectively.

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