Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) feel driven to perform in response to their obsessions or to reduce anxiety. Here are some common types of compulsions: cleaning and washing, checking (repeatedly checking things like locks, appliances, or even body parts), repeating, counting, ordering and arranging, mental compulsions (repeating mantras, praying), and finally hoarding. I’ve seen individuals hoard every little thing (including garbage) when a loved one passes away or leaves. I guess that’s their source of control in their life.
Yale Brown OCD
The Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) is a commonly used tool to measure the severity of symptoms in people with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The Y-BOCS is a structured interview that consists of ten questions that assess the severity of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. The questions cover areas such as the time spent on obsessions and compulsions, levels of control, and the interference of these symptoms with daily functioning.
Each question is rated on a scale of 0 to 4, with 0 representing no symptoms and 4 representing extremely severe symptoms. The total score ranges from 0 to 40, with scores of 0-7 indicating subclinical levels of OCD, scores of 8-15 indicating mild symptoms, scores of 16-23 indicating moderate symptoms, and scores of 24-40 indicating severe symptoms.
Thought Action Fusion
Thought-action fusion (TAF) is a cognitive distortion that is commonly associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). TAF refers to the belief that having a certain thought or thinking about a certain action is morally equivalent to carrying out that action. TAF is a common feature of OCD, along with other cognitive distortions such as all-or-nothing thinking, overgeneralization, and catastrophizing. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common treatment for OCD and targets these cognitive distortions by helping individuals to identify and challenge their beliefs and develop more balanced, rational thinking patterns.
Tourette OCD
Tourettic OCD is the combination of both Tourette syndrome and OCD, and it is estimated that approximately 50% to 60% of people with Tourette syndrome also have at least one comorbid disorder, with OCD being one of the most common. The symptoms of Tourettic OCD can vary widely but may include motor and vocal tics, obsessions about symmetry or order, checking behaviors, and compulsive counting or arranging of objects. The presence of Tourette syndrome can affect the presentation and management of OCD, requiring an integrative approach that considers both conditions. Treatments may include medications to help regulate dopamine, behavior therapy, exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy, and other supportive therapies, depending on the specific symptoms of each individual case.
Symmetrical OCD
Symmetry OCD is a subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in which a person becomes obsessed with achieving perfect symmetry or balance with everything they do.
People with symmetry OCD may obsess over the alignment of objects, the balance of body parts, the evenness of their movements, or the exactness and orderliness of their surroundings. They may feel compelled to perform repetitive, ritualistic behaviors in an attempt to achieve this perceived balance, even if they know that their actions are irrational or excessive. Some common compulsive behaviors associated with symmetry OCD include:
- Counting objects or steps in even numbers
- Arranging objects in a specific pattern or order
- Touching or tapping objects in a symmetrical way
- Ensuring that body movements are perfectly even
- Checking repeatedly to make sure things are perfectly straight or level
- Rearranging and organizing objects multiple times to achieve symmetry or balance.
Trauma Related OCD
Trauma-related obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), also known as Post-traumatic OCD, is a specific form of OCD that develops after a person experiences a traumatic event or series of events, such as violence, abuse, or warfare. In trauma-related OCD, a person can experience obsessions related to the traumatic event. These obsessions can be in the form of intrusive thoughts, images, or memories that constantly replay in the person’s mind and cause fear, anxiety, and distress. The individual may also experience compulsions – repetitive behaviors that they feel compelled to do in an attempt to reduce their anxiety or prevent the trauma from happening again.
Superstitious OCD
Superstitious obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a type of OCD in which a person becomes preoccupied with certain behaviors or rituals that they believe will protect themselves or others from harm or danger, even though they know the behaviors or rituals are irrational. People with superstitious OCD often develop false beliefs that certain rituals or behaviors can control or prevent negative outcomes, such as getting sick, losing a job, or having something bad happen to a loved one. These obsessions can manifest in a wide range of behaviors, such as avoiding certain colors, walking in a certain way, carrying lucky objects, or compulsively checking that doors or windows are locked.
Violent OCD
Violent obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a specific form of OCD in which a person experiences recurrent and distressing thoughts or images about harming themselves or others. The thoughts are often violent in nature, and can include images of causing harm to loved ones or strangers, as well as fear of losing control and acting on these thoughts. I can’t imagine living like this. Of course, I shouldn’t talk, I ‘ve hurt myself way too many times (I literally lost count). But, I’m a survivor, thanks to my ex-husband . He helps me push through the hard times, Above all, I’ll be there when he needs help.
The Aviator OCD
The Aviator OCD is a subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) characterized by a preoccupation with cleanliness and hygiene. People with Aviator OCD may experience obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors related to avoiding germs and contamination. They may experience distressing and intrusive thoughts about being contaminated by contact with other people or objects or not being able to get rid of germs. They may have a compulsion to wash or sanitize their hands repeatedly or avoid touching objects or surfaces that they perceive as unclean.
Conclusion
Compulsions can be time-consuming, exhausting, and interfere with daily life. Treatment for OCD typically focuses on reducing compulsive behaviors through a combination of medication, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy. Consequently, antidepressant medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be helpful in reducing the symptoms of OCD. My dad’s girlfriend swears that my dad is OCD because he’s very picky about everything, especially cleaning. I wonder if, as you age can you develop OCD just because you’re stuck in your ways therefore everything has to be done a certain way. Until next time…
Articles
-Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
-Can Childhood Trauma Cause OCD?
-Self-Care For OCD – Mind
Have a Good One,
Cindee Murphy, One Voice – Unstoppable
“You’re not alone !”
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