Is this OCD or am I just organized?

Have you watched the Kardashians and they describe Khloe as having KhlOCD? Do you believe this to be true OCD? As much as many individuals with OCD would love this to be true, it may not truely be OCD.

There are many misconceptions out there about what OCD truly is. For us to really understand it we need to know what an obsession is first. Obsessions are unwanted, repetitive thoughts, images and urges that causes distress (anxiety). Obsessions can come in a variety of topics from contamination to harm and even sexual. Many OCD thoughts are taboo and may sound like, “Do you want to stab your class mate? Are you attracted to your dad? If you don’t put your laundry in the hamper something bad is going to happen to your mom today. You could drive into that tree right now and die. You can get AIDS from that door handle. What if my baby stops breathing at night?”

• Common Obsessions include:
  -Perfectionism
  -Contamination
  -Harm to self and/or others (emotional or physical harm)
  -Religious Obsessions
  -Unwanted thoughts/images that are violent or sexual
  
  

Now, intrusive thoughts are normal however, people with OCD have intrusive thoughts that cause significant distress. In order to reduce the distress they are feeling they engage in compulsive behaviors. Compulsions are physical or mental behaviors that individuals engage in to reduce the amount of distress their obsessions cause them. While compulsions can be habit forming they are not helpful in controlling OCD thoughts.

• Common Compulsions:
  -Excessive hand washing or bathroom routine
  -Excessive checking (e.g., the door is locked, garage is closed, appliances are off/unplugged)
  -Reassurance seeking (asking family members for reassurance harm didn’t come to others, going to DRs to check you are actually healthy, google searching)
  -Mental Compulsions (e.g., repeating a specific quote/prayer, counting, reviewing)
  -Avoiding situations that trigger obsessions

Individuals with OCD do not want to engage in these behaviors, however, their distress level can feel so intense that the only relief they may feel is if they engage in their compulsions. OCD can feel extremely debilitating that it interferes with their ability to connect with family and friends, complete tasks at work, engage in social settings or participate in activities that used to bring them joy.

If you feel you may be experiencing OCD, please know you are not alone and it is treatable through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and/or medication. It is important to meet with a therapist/provider that is trained in treating OCD. For more information, check out The International OCD Foundation.