OCD Treatment & Symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

The 2 Main OCD Treatments

OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) is generally treatable, and the recommended treatment is determined by how much it impacts your life. The two main options are:

• Talking therapy, which helps you confront fears and obsessive thoughts, and
• Medication, often an antidepressant, to adjust brain chemicals.

A brief therapy session is advised for mild cases, while severe cases may need a more extended combination of therapy and pharmaceuticals. Though effective, OCD treatments might take several months for you to see the outcomes.

The Connection Between OCD and Alcoholism and Substance Abuse

According to the NIH (National Institutes of Health), many times, anxiety and sadness are involved or linked to higher drug use and symptoms of OCD. A study on university students (n = 178) explored how depression and anxiety factors affect the relationship between alcohol-related health risks and OCD symptoms. Results showed that certain anxiety-related aspects increased the connection between risky drinking and OCD symptoms, particularly in emotionally vulnerable subgroups of individuals with OCD. [1]

Anxiety disorders, particularly OCD, are strongly correlated with instances of alcoholism and substance abuse. Supporting clients with both addiction and OCD is a significant part of the We Level Up Texas inpatient dual diagnosis treatment center. Reclaim your life today! Call us 24/7 for a free consultation.

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OCD Symptoms in Adults

In adults, OCD shows up as troubling thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive actions or thoughts (compulsions), causing distress and disruption in daily life. Seeking professional help, like therapy or medication, is essential for managing and easing these symptoms.

5 Common Types of OCD Symptoms

Contamination OCD

• Excessive fear of germs.
• Avoidance of touching particular objects or surfaces.
• Compulsive handwashing or cleaning rituals.
• Fear of becoming sick or causing harm to oneself or others.
• Avoidance of public places or situations perceived as unclean.
• Anxiety and distress related to contamination concerns.
• Repeated checking behaviors to ensure cleanliness and safety.
• Difficulty in functioning due to preoccupation with contamination.
• Intrusive and distressing thoughts about contamination.
• Ritualistic behaviors to neutralize contamination fears.

Checking OCD

• Persistent doubts and fears.
• Excessive fear of something terrible happening.
• Compulsive checking behaviors.
• Repeatedly checking doors, locks, or appliances.
• Frequent reassurance-seeking from others.
• Time-consuming checking rituals.
• Emotional distress and anxiety related to the need to check.
• Impaired daily functioning due to checking compulsions.

OCD Order and Symmetry

• Obsession with symmetry and exactness.
• Need for objects or items to be arranged in a specific order.
• Compulsive need to align or organize belongings.
• Distress when things are perceived as asymmetrical or disorganized.
• Ritualistic behaviors related to achieving symmetry.
• Difficulty in completing tasks if not done with precision.
• Inability to tolerate deviations from a set order or arrangement.
• Repeated arranging or rearranging of items.
• Anxiety and discomfort when surroundings are not orderly.
• Impact on daily life due to the preoccupation with order and symmetry.

Hoarding OCD

• Difficulty discarding possessions, regardless of their value.
• Excessive acquisition of items, often leading to clutter.
• Distress or anxiety when faced with discarding items.
• Compulsive hoarding of items that others may consider worthless.
• Difficulty organizing possessions and living spaces.
• Avoidance of visitors due to embarrassment about clutter.
• Health and safety risks associated with hoarding behaviors.
• Resistance or refusal to seek help for hoarding-related issues.

OCD Intrusive Thoughts

• Disturbing and unwanted thoughts.
• Fear of causing harm to oneself or others.
• Violent or aggressive thoughts that cause distress.
• Sexual or taboo thoughts that are distressing.
• Repetitive and painful thoughts about religious or moral concerns.
• Fear of being responsible for a catastrophic event.
• Intrusive thoughts that go against personal values.
• Attempts to suppress or neutralize painful thoughts.
• Mental rituals or compulsions to alleviate anxiety.
• Impact on daily functioning due to the preoccupation with intrusive thoughts.

If you’re struggling with depressive disorders and substance abuse, get resources about treatment counseling today. Start getting support with a free call to our mental health and addiction hotline.

What is Relationship OCD?

Intimacy, relationships, and obligations have particular significance. On the other hand, relationship OCD can result from excessive love-related fears and anxiety, which can negatively impact your relationships with others, particularly those who are close to you. Symptoms are:

• Persistent doubts about the relationship.
• Excessive need for reassurance.
• Intrusive thoughts questioning the partner’s suitability.
• Overanalyzing behaviors and actions of the partner.
• The constant fear of making the wrong decision about the relationship.
• Compulsive comparison of the current relationship to past ones.
• Repeatedly seeking confirmation of love or commitment.
• Excessive fear of harming the partner emotionally.
• Compulsive checking of feelings for the partner.
• Avoidance of relationship-related situations due to anxiety.

What Causes OCD?

The cause of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is not fully known, but it likely involves various factors, including the following: 

• Heritability (up to 65% in children, 45% in adults).
• Mutated NMDA neurotransmitter in the brain, linked to OCD-like behavior.
• Inability to cope with uncertainty.
• Increased sense of responsibility.
• Magical thinking.
• PANDAS (pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections).
• Streptococcus infection as a trigger.
• Autoimmune antibodies against basal ganglia.
• Sudden onset OCD.
• Childhood acute neuropsychiatric symptoms (CANS).
• Family history increases risk.
• Association with other neurological disorders:
• Parkinson’s disease.
• Sydenham chorea.
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI).
• Tourette syndrome.
• Huntington disease.
• Epilepsy.

OCD Test and Diagnosis

The following methods can be used to diagnose OCD:

• Psychological Assessment: Talk about your ideas, emotions, signs, and actions to find obsessive or compulsive habits lowering your quality of life. Family or friends may be involved with your permission.
• Physical Exam: Rule out other issues causing symptoms and check for related complications.

To create a customized approach to combat OCD, collaboration with your mental health expert is essential. You make it possible to employ different therapies, such as mindfulness and CBT, by being transparent about your experiences. This collaborative approach ensures a thorough and individualized road to recovery by taking into account your particular obstacles and even addressing any additional mental health concerns you may be dealing with. Improving your general well-being is crucial for a more fruitful and long-lasting recovery process than only treating the symptoms of OCD.

If you’re seeking assistance with your rehab journey, reach out to a We Level Up Texas treatment professional today—your call is free and confidential.

We Level Up Texas Dual Diagnosis and OCD Treatment

At We Level Up Texas, our healthcare team believes in simultaneously treating both the root causes and addiction for a better chance of achieving lasting recovery. By addressing mental health issues linked to alcohol or drug dependency, we help individuals move closer to long-term sobriety. We also believe in personalized recovery.

Our team of experts conducts thorough physical, psychological, and nutritional assessments when clients arrive. This helps us understand their unique issues, like OCD or other anxiety disorders, for a customized approach. Our experienced team ensures accurate diagnosis, especially when dealing with complex symptoms alongside alcohol and substance use disorders.

Are you searching for an OCD treatment near you? Get a free rehab insurance check without any obligation. The result can help you explore several treatment options.

What Do You Know About Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder? The 4 Types of OCD | Informative Video