Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and related disorders…
More common than one may think, the prevalence of OCD which encompasses a wide range of related disorders is influenced not only by experience, but genetics and is treatable with not only therapy but medication. One in 60 people suffer from obsessions and/or compulsions relating to contamination, harm, intrusive thoughts of an aggressive, religious or sexual nature, symmetry or hoarding (Marr, 2012). Additionally, Body Dysmorphic Disorder, Hoarding, Trichotillomania (hair-pulling) and Excoriation (skin-picking), as well as Hypochondriasis, Olfactory Reference Syndrome and Tourette Syndrome are on the spectrum with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Evidence-based treatments include Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI’s), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). The goal is not to rid the person of OCD, but to create a lessening of symptoms (Stein et al., 2019). Age of onset varies by gender. Males are more likely to experience symptoms with onset around age 10, whereas females often experience symptom onset in adolescence (Stein et al., 2019). Still others suggest there is no difference in males or females (Marr, 2012 as cited by Brady, 2003; Nauert, 2006). There have been instances where OCD symptoms arise earlier in childhood and into adulthood. Practicing mindfulness and distancing the self from the thoughts or compulsions helps alleviate the anxiety and depression which commonly co-occur (Stein et al., 2019).
A thought is just a thought and knowing and accepting this can assist. I am trained in EMDR and have training in the Distancing Technique which allows the client to gain some relief from the interruption in processing. EMDR conceptualizes psychiatric dysfunction as rooted in traumatic or disturbing memories (Marr, 2012). Efficacy of use is rooted in meta-analysis which suggest it is an effective treatment in addition to the standard of CBT or ERP (Marr, 2012). Additionally, progressively exposing and preventing responses (compulsions) done in a hierarchical fashion assist clients in decreasing reactivity (Stein et al., 2019). However, for those not ready to change behaviors, or when confronting the obsessions/compulsions increases anxiety to an intolerable level, EMDR is useful (Marr, 2012). In my practice, I use an eclectic mix based on the client and their readiness. Chances are either you, or someone you know suffer from obsession and/or compulsions in some form or another. Please reach out if you need assistance!
Marr, J. (2012). EMDR's Efficacy for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Journal of EMDR practice and research 6(1), 2-15. https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.1.2
Stein, D. J., Costa, D., Lochner, C., Miguel, E. C., Reddy, Y., Shavitt, R. G., van den Heuvel, O. A., & Simpson, H. B. (2019). Obsessive-compulsive disorder. Nature reviews. Disease primers, 5(1), 52. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41572-019-0102-3
