Dr. Minto: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive Thoughts and Compulsive Behaviors can Signal OCD

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by involuntary obsessive/intrusive thoughts and compulsive or ritual behaviors. Low serotonin hormone levels or the environment can influence the onset of this disorder. There is a genetic component to OCD as it has been seen to take over entire households. Also, in some cases, OCD has been triggered in a person when a close family member is diagnosed with a serious medical illness. The rituals can be a person’s subconscious way of "magically" healing the loved one or reducing high internal stress levels.

Examples of obsessive thoughts include:

• Fear of germs or dirt
• Worry over forgetting to turn off the stove or lock the front door
• Fear of hitting someone while driving
• Anxiety over items that are not positioned “correctly”

Obsessive thoughts create a sense of danger and a need to act, resulting in ritual behaviors that people engage in for self-preservation. Intrusive thoughts can lead to distractibility, irritability, anxiety and high stress levels.

Examples of compulsive behaviors include:

• Excessive hand washing
• Counting
• Touching objects repeatedly or in a specific pattern
• Checking the stove
• Checking the doors
• Changing clothes
• Driving down the same street multiple times
• Making lists

People continue the rituals until they feel a major reduction in their anxiety. Rituals may increase in frequency and begin to eat away the hours of one's day. This leads to an increase in intensity of the anxious feelings and the development of more intricate rituals. These repetitive behaviors also can unpredictably wax and wane in frequency or intensity.

This anxiety disorder develops gradually and can be seen in children and adults. OCD can be seen in family histories suggesting a strong heredity component. When left untreated, OCD can interfere with daily chores, schoolwork and careers. Family members and friends often unwittingly assist and support the OCD sufferer by helping the person complete his/her rituals.

Treatment options include behavioral therapy, cognitive therapy and anti-anxiety medications if the therapeutic interventions are ineffective.

A psychiatrist can determine whether you or a loved one has OCD and determine a course of treatment. With prompt diagnosis, accompanied by therapy and/or medication, a high percentage of OCD patients can manage their disorder successfully.

Dr. Maxine Minto is a child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist in Lake Mary. She has been practicing psychiatry in Central Florida since 1997. A Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, she is a graduate of the University of Miami School of Medicine. Her background includes serving as a medical director in clinical settings such as acute inpatient units, inpatient residential care, partial hospitalization and outpatient services.