Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

An overview of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or OCD,

is characterized by reoccurring,

unwarranted thoughts (obsessions)

These thoughts are

distressing & repetitive.

People who experience OCD know that

their compulsive reactions are irrational

but they can't stop the feeling,

and so they perform compulsive acts

to ease their anxiety.

People who experience OCD

usually walk in the same pattern,

obsessively clean their

body or personal items,

are conscious of dust,

dirt & germs to the effect they're

constantly washing the objects

or their hands

or they constantly check locks,

gas stoves, and light switches.

According to beyond blue…

“People with OCD often report feeling

deep shame about their need to carry out

these compulsions.

These feelings of shame can exacerbate

the problem and the shame and consequent

secrecy associated with OCD can lead to

a delay in diagnosis & treatment.”

Signs and symptoms of OCD include...

Obsessive Cleanliness (handwashing).

Fear of contamination of dirt or germs.

The overwhelming need to place items

or perform tasks in a specific order,

symmetry or pattern.

Repetitive counting.

Excessive hoarding.

Compulsive safety checking

For example...

checking locks,

or appliances have been turned off.

An irrational sense of disgust

relating to sexual activity.

Repetitive thoughts or worry that they

or people close to them will be harmed.

These thoughts and behaviours

interfere with this person’s daily life.

Doing these rituals can provide

short-term relief for the person.

but there is an overwhelming need

to repeat them.

Another important thing to keep in mind

is that the person experiencing OCD

greater risk of developing other

mental health issues including

depression, eating disorders,

alcohol or substance-use problems

and/or other anxiety disorders.

OCD can be very disabling.

In severe cases,

it can stop people working

and leading normal, functioning lives.

Approximately 3% of Australian’s

experience OCD in their lifetime.

Close to 2% will experience OCD annually.

OCD can occur at any time.

There are reports of children as young as

6 or 7 being affected by

symptoms of OCD.

However, these symptoms appear to develop

fully during adolescence.

And onset is earlier in boys than girls.

Celebrities who have spoken out

about their experience

with OCD include...

Daniel Radcliffe.

The Harry Potter star once stated

it took him as long as five minutes

to turn off a light

because of his compulsions.

Frank Sinatra.

His wife Barbra, shared Frank’s

experience of OCD in her memoir.

She stated that her husband was

obsessed with cleanliness.

Frank would sometimes take as many

as 10 showers a day to stay clean.

Leonardo DiCaprio portrayed

Howard Hughes in the biopic

“The Aviator.”

He has revealed

that much like his character,

he also struggles with OCD.

Howard Hughes struggled with

germs and cleanliness,

while Leo revealed he has struggled with

walking through doors repeatedly,

as well as battling the urge

to step on chewing gum stains.

Lena Dunam.

Much like the OCD struggles of her

character Hannah in the hit

tv-show girls,

Lena is open about speaking out about her

own experiences of OCD.

She hopes that speaking up

will help others feel comfortable

in sharing their own experiences.