OCD & ME

Answer:

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a serious but treatable mental and behavioral disorder affecting 2.3% of Americans. It is reported that 1 in 40 adults and 1 in 100 children experience symptoms of OCD. OCD is characterized by intrusive and uncontrollable thoughts, impulses, or images which cause a great deal of disturbance to the person experiencing them. Further, OCD includes compulsive behavior where an individual feels compelled to perform repetitive actions or rituals to alleviate the distress of their obsessional thinking. The clinical representation and severity of OCD symptoms can vary among patients and can occur with the presence of other psychiatric disorders like skin picking and hair pulling disorders.

Contrary to what popular media depicts, OCD includes much more than a preoccupation with cleanliness and perfectionism. While this may be an element for *some people*, OCD often includes obsessive and compulsive symptoms triggered by a range of other concerns including issues related to sex, money, health, and relationships.

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist and have several years experience working with people diagnosed with OCD- those who are affected by obsessive symptoms, compulsive symptoms, obsessive and compulsive symptoms, and people whose OCD leads them to physically injure themselves.​ Although people with OCD may have the same symptoms, the way in which they are expressed can be very different. In addition, OCD is not limited to a type or group of people. In a such personalities dynamics influence the experience with someone who has OCD.

In my experience, aside from clinical symptoms, individuals with OCD tend to have complex, rich internal worlds where they often show and express their creativity and philosophical ideals. Some of the best conversations I’ve had are with people who experience OCD. I’ve also found that a large majority of clients I work with who have OCD use a lot of dark or dry humor, coming across with wit and intellect.

I have also found people with OCD to be very committed to their treatment as they are often very aware of their symptoms but don’t know how to stop them. Individuals with OCD are often very open and receptive in treatment quick to share their thoughts, feelings, and experience. 

When working with people who suffer from OCD it’s important to focus on the person rather than the symptoms, each person has their own strengths and resiliency that will assist them in recovery. If we pay attention to just the symptoms we will miss out on the opportunity for growth. 

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If you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms of OCD please visit www.TherapywithRaquel.com for more information. Raquel Buchanan is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT #118976) in Palm Springs, Ca. Raquel specializes is treating self-esteem issues related to childhood trauma. She offers counseling and therapy services both in person and online to individuals, children, families, and adults.The information contained on this page is intended for informational purposes only.