FAQs

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by obsessions and compulsions.

Obsessions – persistent and unwanted thought, image, or urge that enters the mind and triggers distress.

Compulsions –  recurrent behavior or mental act(s) carried out to provide relief brought on by the distress of obsessions.

Common Obsessions

• Fear of contamination, dirt, harm, orderliness, symmetry, exactness, unwelcome thoughts related to sexual orientation, religion, suicide, homicide, inappropriate behaviors in private or public, focus on the need for orderliness

Common Compulsions

• Cleaning, checking, arranging, washing, repetitive acts, words, or phrases, mental rituals

According to the National Survey of American Life (NSAL), an estimated 1.6% of the American population is afflicted with OCD, with Black Americans experiencing OCD at rates equivalent to the general population. 

Comparing Black Americans from two separate studies (2004, 2012),  six symptom dimensions emerged similar to those of previous studies in primarily white samples. These dimensions included contamination/washing, hoarding, sexual obsessions/reassurance, aggression/mental compulsions, symmetry/perfectionism, and doubt/checking. Black Americans with OCD reported more contamination symptoms and were twice as likely to report excessive concerns with animals than White Americans with OCD. 

Individuals with OCD describe feeling driven to do specific behaviors in order to relieve stress and feel better. Ignoring the urge to complete the behavior/"ritual" is not easy. If individuals with OCD manage to get relief after completing their ritual, eventually the urge comes back stronger. 

Evidence of OCD can be seen in children, teenagers, or in the early adult years. It is considered a lifelong condition, affecting approximately 2% of people at some point during their lives. It affects males and females equally, and OCD symptoms typically progress gradually from mild to moderate and severe when experiencing stress.

For more information on OCD visit the International OCD Foundation website: www.iocdf.org/about-ocd/

The two main treatments for OCD are psychotherapy and medications. While treatment may not result in a cure, psychotherapy and/or medication can help manage symptoms so that they don't continue to interfere with daily functioning. Individuals with severe symptoms can expect to engage in more long-term, intensive treatment.

Psychotherapy - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), specifically Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), is the gold-standard intervention for the diagnosis and treatment of OCD. ERP involves gradually exposing you to a feared object or obsession (exposure) and having you learn ways to resist the urge to do your compulsive rituals (response prevention). 

Medications - antidepressants are approved by the U.S. FDA to treat OCD symptoms. 

FYI - treatment is most effective when psychotherapy and medication are combined.

For more information on Treating OCD visit the International OCD Foundation website: www.iocdf.org/about-ocd/ocd-treatment/ and the Mayo Clinic website: www.mayoclinic.org

Seeking help for OCD can be challenging but DO NOT GIVE UP!!! 

There are several routes to get connected to the OCD community for support and treatment, including:

Therapists: mental health providers who are specially trained in CBT and ERP, the gold standard intervention used to identify and treat OCD. 

Clinics: offer intensive treatment programs have interdisciplinary care teams (physicians, psychologists, nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, and other health professionals) that designs individualized treatment plans aimed at managing OCD symptoms that have proven difficult to treat using individual therapy.

Support Groups: provide opportunities for individuals with OCD to share their personal experiences and feelings, learn coping strategies, or get firsthand information about how to live with OCD.

Community Affiliates: IOCDF has community programs throughout the nation that serve as non-profit affiliates. The affiliates are led by dedicated volunteers who offer resources, programming and an OCD-friendly community space. 

For more information on Help for OCD visit the International OCD Foundation website: https://iocdf.org/find-help/