What Does OCD Really Mean? 

Imagine that your mind is a library filled with books. Each of these books represents a different thought, fear, and desire. Now, think of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) as a strict librarian. Instead of leaving the books alone, they constantly rearrange, check, and organize the books.

In this analogy, the books represent different thoughts in our minds. The librarian represents the obsessive-compulsive patterns that emerge. The librarian, in an attempt to maintain order and control, insists on arranging the books in a specific way or checking each one over and over. Even though these actions are well-intentioned, they become stressful and overwhelming.

The library is no longer a place of exploration and quiet reflection. The librarian's rituals become more important than anything else. The constant rearranging and checking makes it hard to read and learn from the books.

What’s the Impact?

Just as the librarian's compulsive behaviors prevent the normal functioning of the library, so does OCD with our daily lives. This analogy helps show how persistent and overwhelming OCD is. It also shows the struggle with a desire for order and how this impacts your freedom.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder or OCD, as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) has a distinct symptoms. It involves intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors with the goal to reduce anxiety. These thoughts are known as obsessions and the behaviors are defined as compulsions. OCD impacts people of every age, race, ethnicity, religion and social status.

Are There Different Types of OCD?

The short answer is yes! There are many different types of OCD. Despite there being different types of OCD, they all have a few things in common. They involve obsessions and compulsions. They are also stressing and cause problems in your life. OCD is not a one-size-fits-all framework. Symptoms of OCD can differ a lot from person to person. Below are the common types of OCD:

Pure O (Pure Obsessional) OCD

Pure O is also known as Pure Obsessional OCD. Unlike observable rituals, if you have Pure O, your compulsions are only internal. They occur as stressful, unwanted thoughts. This can lead to different rituals with the goal of stopping the anxiety you feel as a result of the thoughts. Pure O can be difficult to diagnose because other people cannot see any behaviors.

Contamination OCD

Fear of contamination and germs is common if you have Contamination OCD. You experience overwhelming anxiety related to cleanliness. You develop rituals like excessive washing or avoiding things that are not clean. Contamination OCD can have a significant impact on your daily life. It can be difficult to leave the home or go out in public due to fears of germs. The Covid-19 pandemic created or worsened these fears for a lot of people.

Checking OCD

Checking OCD involves persistent doubts and fears that create a cycle of uncertainty. It's common to ask others for reassurance to lower your anxiety. Common examples include checking to make sure doors are locked or checking your body to see if you are sick. Checking rituals can be time consuming and negatively impact your sleep and relationships.

Hoarding OCD

Compulsive hoarding behaviors are a distinctive aspect of Hoarding OCD. With compulsive hoarding, you find it hard to get rid of your house hold items. This leads to clutter in your home. It can be challenging to throw things away because of an emotional attachments to items. There can also be shame that prevents you from seeking help.

Symmetry and Ordering OCD

Symmetry and Ordering OCD is an obsession with order and perfection. You need to arrange items perfectly. You have rituals around organization and frequently rearrange things until it feels "perfect."

Religious and Scrupulosity OCD

With Religious and Scrupulosity OCD, you struggle with intrusive religious thoughts. These ideas conflict with their personal beliefs and lead to anxiety. Compulsions related to religious practices become a way of preventing harm. These often strain your relationships with others and your spirituality.

Just Right OCD

Just Right OCD is an unsettling discomfort when things don't feel "just right." You engage in rituals to achieve a sense of completeness. When you have "Just Right" OCD, it is hard to be in the world. Wherever you go or whatever you do, it can pop up. The constant struggles with uncertainty make daily life difficult.

Harm OCD

Harm OCD occurs when you have thoughts and fears related to causing harm to yourself or others. People with Harm OCD are not homicidal or suicidal! They do not have harmful intentions and don't want to commit these acts. If you have Harm OCD, these thoughts are stressful and unwanted. The thoughts are not aligned with your values and beliefs. It's common to not seek help due to fear other people will think you actually want to hurt them or yourself.

Can You Have Multiple Types of OCD?

Yes, you can experience a combination of types of OCD. OCD can also change from one subtype to another. For example, first you might experience "Just Right OCD" and then have "Checking OCD." OCD is like a puzzle that doesn't fit into neat categories. It changes and is different for each person.

You can also have OCD and another mental health disorder. This is called a co-occuring diagnosis. Common disorders that you might experience with OCD are anxiety, depression or trauma. This can make it challenging to diagnose and treat OCD.

Am I Stuck Like This Forever?

When it comes to OCD, there are many treatment options. OCD counseling is very effective and allows you to no longer be consumed by your symptoms. If you have OCD, it's important to find a therapist who specializes in OCD. Not every therapist is trained to treat OCD. Before you meet with a new therapist, ask them what experience they have with OCD counseling! You can also ask about these types of OCD treatments.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment. The goal is to help you identify and challenge irrational thoughts. This helps you develop more accurate thought patterns. You also learn to manage your responses to obsessive thoughts.

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) in Detroit, MI

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a type of CBT treatment. During ERP you will confront what makes you anxious without doing any compulsions. You do this with a trained ERP therapist in a slow and planned out manner. ERP therapy breaks the cycle of obsessions and compulsions. You can regain control over your life.

Medication

In certain cases, medication can help manage OCD symptoms. A medical doctor has to determine if medications are right for you and prescribe them. Research shows that medication and ERP therapy together are the most effective treatment for OCD. Medication is not for everyone and you get to determine if you want to seek out this form of treatment. 

Begin OCD Counseling and ERP in Detroit, MI Today!

Are you interested in learning more about the types of OCD? Do you notice symptoms of OCD in yourself? Would you like to try ERP in Detroit, MI ? At Embodied Wellness, PLLC, we offer OCD counseling all online! We have OCD therapists who have specialized training in all types of OCD. Below are three easy steps to get started!

1. Complete our contact form to schedule a free therapy consultation.

2. Learn more about our OCD therapists trained in ERP in Detroit, MI.

3. Recover from OCD.

   
   

Additional Services at Embodied Wellness in Michigan

At Embodied Wellness, PLLC we don’t just offer OCD treatment and ERP therapy! We also provide online therapy in Michigan to teens, adults and families. We specialize in treatments such as EMDR, Somatic therapy, Internal Family Systems, therapy for empaths, and DBT. We also offer anxiety counseling, Trauma and PTSD treatment, and depression treatment.

About the Author: 

Sarah Rollins, LMSW, SEP is the founder of Embodied Wellness, PLLC, a group therapy practice providing online therapy in Michigan. She is passionate about expanding awareness of somatic therapy as way to treat and heal trauma. She incorporates other holistic treatments into her practice including EMDR and IFS.