Obsessive compulsive disorder is a form of anxiety that consists of two components; obsessions and compulsions. Many people have obsessive thoughts and perform compulsive acts from time to time, but for people with OCD these problems can be so demanding that they interfere with everyday life and quality of life. OCD can be treated using several methods.
In this article you can read more about how OCD can affect you, as well as how Dr.Dropin Psykologi can help you deal with it.
OCD consists of two components; obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are unwanted thoughts, ideas or images that repeatedly appear, and which are experienced as disturbing and unpleasant. Compulsions are actions that you feel you have to do to reduce the fear and discomfort that the obsessions create.
Obsessions can be related to many different topics. Typical examples of obsessive thoughts can be:
Typical examples of coercive acts can be:
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People with OCD often feel a strong sense of uneasiness or discomfort when they are unable to perform the compulsion.
It is completely normal to occasionally have obsessive thoughts and actions. If the difficulties are so present that they take up a lot of time and energy in everyday life, and if they impair functioning in everyday life, you may have OCD. About 1-3% of the population has OCD.
It is not clear what causes OCD, but it is believed that it may be a combination of genetic, environmental and biological factors.
Exposure and response prevention (ERP) is often considered the most effective treatment. The treatment can be used on both children, adolescents and adults. We at Dr.Dropin psychology have expertise in this method and can help you to get a better everyday life. The treatment involves learning about OCD and what sustains the problems, and together creating a plan to manage and reduce obsessive thoughts and actions through exposure therapy and response prevention. Simply explained, the treatment will involve exposing yourself to what you fear in a systematic way without carrying out the compulsive act.
It is also possible to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder/OCD with the help of medication, specifically antidepressants. Exposure and response prevention is still preferable as it can result in shorter treatment times, fewer side effects and a lower chance of relapse.
Dr. Dropin has psychologists who have extensive experience with physical and digital talk therapy against OCD. Find your psychologist here and download the app to book an appointment.
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Are obsessive thoughts dangerous?
An obsession is not dangerous, even though it can sometimes feel like it is.
Are obsessive thoughts anxiety?
Obsessive thoughts (and compulsive actions) are common symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder/OCD, which is one of several anxiety disorders. Obsessions can often cause anxiety.
Are obsessions and OCD the same thing?
Obsessions and OCD are not the same. Obsessions together with compulsive actions are symptoms of OCD, but it does not mean that one has OCD. It is common to have obsessive thoughts to a certain extent, while when you have OCD the problems are so great that they interfere with everyday functioning.
Can you get rid of obsessive thoughts?
Yes. Some experience getting rid of their obsessions completely, while others learn strategies to deal with them in such a way that they do not become a nuisance in everyday life. Cognitive therapy and exposure therapy is a frequently used method in dealing with obsessive thoughts.
Are obsessive thoughts normal?
Obsessions are normal. Many of us can have obsessive thoughts from time to time without them causing problems in everyday life.
