Obsessive compulsive disorder is a rather complex diagnosis characterized by unwanted or intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Individuals diagnosed with OCD are often driven to perform compulsive rituals or habits in order to mitigate the negative thought patterns associated with their obsessions. Common obsessions include fears of contamination, doubts about completing tasks, or intrusive thoughts about harm or health. Compulsions can include excessive cleaning, checking, and seeking reassurance. Those who fear contamination may excessively wash their hands and avoid entering potentially dirty public spaces. Those with health-related OCD obsess frequently over the state of their physical body. Concern over developing a morbid disease like cancer or heart failure can be all consuming and prevent them from enjoying the experiences of everyday life. Individuals with OCD can live significantly impaired lives, struggling to see their thoughts and behaviors as irrational.

 

First line treatments for OCD include exposure therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Exposure therapy involves the gradual exposure to that which the patient fears and avoids. If a client were to present with contamination OCD, they may be exhibiting behaviors like constant hand washing or wiping down surfaces like door knobs or toilet handles. The first step of exposure therapy could require that the individual visualize and verbally describe putting their hand onto a dirty door handle. While this may seem like a perfectly do-able task for someone without the disorder, such an exposure can be significantly distressing. Subsequent appointments could involve the client actually physically touching a "dirty" door handle and avoiding the urge to dash to the nearest sink. The idea here is that the individual can re-learn what likely proceeds such a harmless act: nothing. By confronting that which they fear the most whilst still maintaining a safe and manageable environment, they can eventually rewire the way they perceive that seemingly dangerous stimuli.