Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

What is Obsessive-compulsive disorder?

The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that more than 2 percent of the U.S. population, or nearly one out of every 40 people, will suffer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder at some point in their lives. The disorder is two to three times more common than schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Obsessions are intrusive, irrational thoughts that repeatedly well up in a person's mind. Again and again, the person experiences disturbing thoughts. On one level, the sufferer knows these obsessive thoughts are irrational. But on another level, he or she fears these thoughts might be true. Trying to avoid such thoughts creates great anxiety.

Many people have turned to drugs or alcohol as a means to cope with their anxiety. Unfortunately, the compulsive aspect of this disorder can turn drug use into drug abuse or alcohol abuse ending in drug addiction and alcohol addiction. When a person has a co-existing drug addiction or alcohol addiction with a mental health disorder it is referred to as dual diagnosis. Substance abuse is not unusual in conjunction with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.

Compulsions are repetitive rituals such as hand washing, counting, hoarding, or arranging. An individual repeats these actions, perhaps feeling momentary relief, but without feeling satisfaction or a sense of completion. People with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder feel they must perform these compulsive rituals or something bad will happen. Obsessive compulsive disorder occurs when an individual experiences obsessions and compulsions for more than an hour each day, in a way that interferes with his or her life. OCD is often described as "a disease of doubt." Sufferers experience "pathological doubt" because they are unable to distinguish between what is possible, what is probable, and what is unlikely to happen.

It is not unusual for a person experiencing these compulsions to turn to drugs or alcohol in an attempt to manage the feelings associated with them. In far too many cases, decisions like this result in a far more complex situation including drug addiction or alcoholism. This would be referred to as a dual diagnosis, which is best treated in a dual diagnosis treatment program, inpatient drug rehab or alcohol rehab.

What causes Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?

A large body of scientific evidence suggests that OCD results from a chemical imbalance in the brain. For years, mental health professionals incorrectly assumed OCD resulted from bad parenting or personality defects. This theory has proven to be false as OCD symptoms are not relieved by psychoanalysis or other forms of "talk therapy".

How do people with OCD typically react to their disorder?

People with OCD generally attempt to hide their problem rather than seek help. Often they are remarkably successful in concealing their obsessive-compulsive symptoms. An unfortunate consequence of this secrecy is that people with OCD generally do not receive professional help until years after the onset of their disease. By that time, the obsessive compulsive rituals may be deeply ingrained and very difficult to change.

In addition to concealing their disorder, many people turn to drugs or alcohol as a means to cope with the feelings behind this disorder. Due to the compulsive aspect of OCD, it is not uncommon that a person’s drug or alcohol use turns to alcohol abuse or drug abuse and into drug addiction or alcoholism. At this point a person is generally a candidate for inpatient drug rehab or an addiction treatment program with a dual diagnosis treatment component. Any person with a dual diagnosis should have their drug addiction and mental health problem treated concurrently in the drug rehab or dual diagnosis treatment program of their choice.

How long does OCD last?

OCD will not go away by itself, so it is important to seek treatment. Although symptoms may become less severe from time to time, OCD is a chronic disease. Fortunately, effective treatments are available that make life with OCD much easier to manage.

If a person is suffering from drug addiction or alcoholism in addition to OCD, we know both are progressive chronic diseases. Drug addiction or alcohol addiction will not just go away. Admission to an inpatient drug rehab or dual diagnosis treatment program may prove helpful.

What are other examples of behaviors typical of people who suffer from OCD?

* repeatedly check things, perhaps dozens of times, before feeling secure enough to go to sleep or leave the house. Is the stove off? Is the door locked? Is the alarm set?

* afraid that they will harm others.
* feeling dirty all of the time
* a person who is constantly arranging things.
* a person continuously concerned with body imperfections
* a person who is ruled by numbers, there are good numbers and bad numbers.
* a person excessively concerned with sin.

Heredity appears to be a strong factor. If you have OCD, there's a 25-percent chance that one of your immediate family members will have it. It definitely seems to run in families.

Can OCD be effectively treated?

Yes, with medication, behavior therapy and sometimes inpatient treatment. With a change in brain chemistry, comes a change in behavior. Medication can regulate serotonin, reducing obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors, which include drug addiction and alcoholism.

In cases where a person may also be suffering from drug addiction or alcoholism, admission to an inpatient alcohol rehab or drug rehab with a dual diagnosis treatment program may be warranted. The inpatient drug rehab will provide the patient with a safe medical detox from the drugs or alcohol which will allow everyone to focus on the OCD.

Whether a person is in a drug rehab, alcohol rehab or visiting with a psychiatrist on an outpatient basis, medication for OCD does not work immediately. Medication should be tried consistently for up to 10 weeks before its effectiveness can be judged. The time factor will differ with each patient, so always consult with your psychiatrist.

Will OCD symptoms go away completely with medication and behavior therapy?

Response to treatment varies from person to person. Most people treated with effective medications find their symptoms reduced by about 40 percent to 50 percent. That can often be enough to change their lives, to transform them into functioning individuals.

Those suffering from drug addiction or alcoholism in conjunction with OCD (dual diagnosis) have a more complex situation to deal with. When a person relapses with regards to their drug addiction or alcoholism, they may require inpatient drug rehab and detox to stabilize. In some cases during relapse, the patient discontinues their medication for OCD. For this reason, people with a dual diagnosis can have a challenging time in recovery. The key is to either see your physician immediately or seek admission for dual diagnosis treatment.