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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

  • Writer: Publicity PSYSOC
    Publicity PSYSOC
  • Nov 5, 2023
  • 5 min read

Written by Devika Kumaya & Ng Jing Yuan


Introduction


In the realm of mental health, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) stands as a complex and commonly misunderstood condition. It affects millions of individuals all over the world, cutting across age, gender and cultural boundaries. This blog aims to highlight the intricacies of OCD, delving into its definition, types of OCD, prevalence in Singapore, and available treatments. By understanding OCD better, we can dispel myths, reduce stigma, and even offer support to those navigating the challenges it presents. 


Definition of OCD


OCD is a disorder that is characterized by two elements: obsessions and compulsions. It occurs when an individual is caught up in a cycle of these two elements (American Psychological Association, n.d.). Individuals that are diagnosed with OCD may have obsessions, compulsions, or both. Obsession refers to the unwanted, intrusive, distressing and persistent thoughts, images or urges that constantly pop-up into an individual’s mind, causing significant distress, anxiety and discomfort (Vallejo, 2023). These obsessions can disrupt an individual's daily life and negatively impact their functioning. Compulsions, on the other hand, are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that an individual feels compelled to carry out to decrease their anxiety caused by obsessions. However, these behaviors only bring about temporary relief (Vallejo, 2023) to the individual. Compulsive behaviors may also include actions taken to evade situations that could provoke unwanted thoughts. Compulsions, just like obsessions, also cause significant distress and anxiety to the individual and disrupt the individual’s daily life (Vallejo, 2023). 


Types of OCD


It is a common misconception that OCD is only associated with extreme inclination towards cleanliness, orderliness or symmetry as portrayed by popular forms of media. However, there is more to OCD. Some examples include Relationship OCD (ROCD), Harm OCD and Sexual-Orientation OCD (SO-OCD).


ROCD is the ultimate intolerance for uncertainty with intimate relationships in an individual’s life These individuals become preoccupied with the “rightness” of their relationship, and engage in physical and mental compulsive behaviors, such as relentlessly taking relationship quizzes in the search for validation for their relationship. Some may repeatedly revisit past encounters to ensure their feelings are real and certain (NOCD, n.d.). 


Harm OCD refers to the intense intrusive thoughts of harming either themselves or those around them. These individuals carry out mental or physical checks as a form of compulsion (Kelly, 2023). Some examples include avoiding entering the kitchen, where knives are often found, as an attempt to avoid the intense feelings of anxiousness that arises from intrusive thoughts at the sight of harmful items like knives. 


SO-OCD refers to the obsessions around one’s sexual orientation and the uncertainty behind it. This includes obsessing over thoughts such as if one is straight or could they be a homosexual. Some compulsions could include avoiding people of the same-sex altogether to avoid confusion and further distress from the obsessions (NOCD, n.d.). 


The common issue that is seen across the various subtypes of OCD is the factor of uncertainty. It can be inferred that, no matter the subtype, the problem faced is the intolerance for uncertainty which causes individuals to obsess and carry out compulsions which gets them stuck in a constant loop of anxiety and distress.  


Prevalence in Singapore 


According to a Singapore Mental Health Study conducted in 2016, OCD was one of the top three most common disorders in Singapore and they also found that one in 28 adults in Singapore has suffered from OCD at some point in their lifetime (Institute of Mental Health, n.d.). 


Although there is limited data on OCD prevalence among youth, Ms Raj, a senior clinical psychologist at the Institute of Mental Health’s Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, estimated that OCD could affect up to 4 percent of youths here in Singapore. That is almost double the global prevalence which is about 2 to 3 percent (Chandramohan, 2019). This shows the rising need for attention towards recognizing OCD as a debilitating disorder in Singapore. 


Types of Treatments 


There are a variety of treatments for OCD sufferers and the success rate of each treatment depends on each individual’s unique make-up. The treatments available are medications, therapy and pharmacotherapy. 


The combination of medications and therapy has been seen to be the most effective form of treatment for patients with OCD (Institute of Mental Health, n.d.). Medications, such as antidepressants and Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are usually prescribed alongside therapy at the clinical judgment of a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist (HealthHub, n.d.). 


In therapy, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is used where Exposure-Response Therapy (ERP), a form of CBT, is used for clients to help them navigate through their distress and anxiety by purposefully exposing them to their obsessional triggers while remaining disengaged with their usual compulsions in response to the obsession (HealthHub, n.d.). CBT is done with professional help from clinical psychologists to ensure that the therapy sessions occur seamlessly, and the clients are eased into their obsessions one step at a time. With repeated exposures and response preventions, habituation occurs. Habituation occurs when a stress response is not activated to the obsessive thought the individual initially suffered from. This helps the individual cope with stress and anxiety as well (HealthHub, n.d.).


Conclusion


Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) encompasses far more than a mere inclination towards cleanliness. The range of compulsions associated with OCD varies from person to person. Therefore, it's crucial to understand that an individual's preoccupation with maintaining immaculate surroundings doesn't automatically signify OCD. By now, you should have gained a more profound insight into the complexity of OCD. However, it's important to acknowledge that a significant portion of the population remains uninformed about this condition.


Organizing OCD awareness roadshows and events in schools and workplaces represents a vital step in disseminating accurate information about OCD and promoting understanding. To further amplify this educational initiative, colleges could incorporate mental health and disorder modules into their core curricula, regardless of the students' majors, thereby ensuring a broad dissemination of knowledge. Research has indicated that incorporating such modules or programs can not only enhance knowledge but also reduce the stigma associated with mental health disorders (Shim et al., 2022). Educating this group of people will foster a supportive community for individuals facing mental health disorders, diminishing associated stigma. We can also extend this approach to workplaces by conducting mental health workshops, which can enhance awareness among adults, thereby benefiting not only their own mental well-being but also their loved ones.


In our technologically advanced society, leveraging the power of social media stands out as one of the most effective means to raise awareness about OCD. Social media encompasses an array of platforms, including Instagram, X (previously known as Twitter), TikTok, YouTube, and more, providing a diverse and extensive global reach at the mere click of a button. Despite the proliferation of misinformation on social media, we can help to counter it by anchoring our claims in credible sources and collaborating with trusted individuals who are well-informed on the subject. 

An illuminating example of this potential is Howie Mandel's candid discussion about his life with OCD on the Joe Rogan Podcast (PowerfulJRE, 2023). As a diagnosed individual, Mandel passionately conveyed his frustration with the casual misuse of the term "OCD" and shed light on the authentic daily struggles faced by those battling the disorder (PowerfulJRE, 2023). The ripple effect of this podcast across various social media platforms, driven by individuals who resonated with Mandel's experiences, vividly illustrates the immense impact of social media in dispelling myths and fostering a deeper understanding of OCD.









References



Chandramohan G. (2019). “we even thought of ending our lives”: A family’s struggle with their child’s OCD and how they came out on top. CNA. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/teen-ocd-family-struggle-treatment-853941#:~:text=While%20there%20is%20not%20much,2%20to%203%20per%20cent. 




Kelly, O. (2023, March 29). The 5 types of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-the-different-types-of-ocd-2510663 


NOCD. (n.d.). 7 different types of OCD & intrusive thoughts: OCD subtypes. https://www.treatmyocd.com/education/different-types-of-ocd 

PowerfulJRE (2023). Howie Mandel on Managing His OCD. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcZMGRrYTak 


Shim, Y. R., Eaker R. & Park J. (2022). Mental Health Education, awareness and stigma regarding mental illness among college students. Journal of Mental Health & Clinical Psychology. https://www.mentalhealthjournal.org/articles/mental-health-education-awareness-and-stigma-regarding-mental-illness-among-college-students.html 


Vallejo, M. (2023, August 18). Breaking down OCD myths: Dispelling misconceptions and stigma. International OCD Foundation. https://iocdf.org/blog/2023/08/18/breaking-down-ocd-myths-dispelling-misconceptions-and-stigma/ 




 
 
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