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Breaking the OCD Cycle

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, more commonly known as OCD, is a mental disorder defined by recurring fears and habits, known as obsessions and compulsions. 



Table of Contents

 

What is OCD?

OCD causes a person to experience their fears in the form of intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that return even when suppressed. As a result, a person with OCD feels driven to perform repetitive behaviours or mental acts that bring no pleasure, but offer a temporary relief from the anxiety of obsessions. Over time, the person will begin to act based on a ritual, which can interfere with daily life. 


OCD may begin in childhood, but is most commonly developed in the teen years. Over time, the source and the nature of the compulsions may change, but OCD is considered a lifelong disorder. As more and more time is devoted to performing compulsions, it is possible to have difficulty being a part of social activities, forming relationships, or even experience suicidal thoughts. 


OCD doesn’t have to interfere with your life. Effective treatments are available, and can be life-changing. Informing yourself on current research for OCD, and asking for support from your loved ones, community, and medical professionals can help you regain control and improve your quality of life.


Reference: Mayo Clinic


Research for a cause

The cause isn’t fully understood, but theories focus on changes in body chemistry or brain function, genetic components that are yet to be found, and learning from the environment, including family members. 


Researchers from Cambridge University found that in people with OCD, in the areas at the front of the brain that are involved in controlling habit development and our responses to rewards and punishment, there is an imbalance in neurotransmitters, or brain messengers. This imbalance makes those brain regions hyperactive.


This research could drastically change the way OCD is approached medically, especially for people who are resistant to or can’t be treated with traditional therapy. It creates the potential for an effective medication that could control the release of the chemical transmitters, or even some form of deep brain stimulation to reduce the activity in the affected brain regions. 




You Aren't Alone.

It’s easy to forget that you never have to be alone, so let this be your reminder. You are not alone! There are so many people who struggle with OCD around the world, and despite that, many of them are able to live free and happy lives. So why not you?





Tips for Managing OCD

Inform yourself.

Redirect your energy.

Manage your stress in a healthy way.

Search for support.

Remind yourself of your goals.

Don’t let OCD take control.

Reference: Mayo Clinic



Helping a loved one manage OCD

Supporting someone with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder can sometimes be overwhelming and frustrating if you can’t relate to their experiences. It takes patience and time to understand how to best help someone, but your support can make a life-changing difference in their lives.


Listen without judgment.

Discuss openly and decide on an approach.

Overcoming Compulsions


Even if the person you’re trying to help is reluctant about receiving treatment, encourage them to seek professional help. Mental health disorders such as OCD often come with many stigmas, but it is important to remind your loved one that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and it can be life-changing. 


It’s not easy to escape OCD. Encourage your friend or family member to be patient with themselves, and remember to be patient with them too. 




Finding Support

Here's a comprehensive list of OCD support groups:

Online Support Groups

In-person Support Groups


Helpful Resources

Organizations

Medical Information

Resources for parents

People’s Journeys

Co-occurring disorders



References

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Anxious Toddlers Parenting Survival School. (n.d.). Home | AT Parenting Survival Online

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Better Health Channel. (2022, November 8). Obsessive compulsive disorder - family and

friends. Better Health. Retrieved August 11, 2024, from


Beyond OCD. (n.d.). Disorders That May Co-exist with OCD – Beyond OCD. Beyond OCD.


Center for Addiction and Mental Health. (n.d.). Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. CAMH.


CommonGround OCD. (n.d.). Support – CommonGround. CommonGround. Retrieved


Goodman, W. K., Storch, E. A., & Sheth, S. A. (2021, January 1). Harmonizing the

Neurobiology and Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. The American Journal


How to Help Someone With OCD: 5 Effective Tips. (2021, October 7). Talkspace. Retrieved


International OCD Foundation. (n.d.). Support Groups & Treatment Groups. International

OCD Foundation. Retrieved August 16, 2024, from https://iocdf.org/ocd-finding-


Mayo Clinic. (2023, December 21). Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) - Symptoms and

causes. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved August 10, 2024, from


National Institute of Mental Health. (2022). Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder - National

Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). National Institute of Mental Health. Retrieved


OCD Action. (n.d.). Personal Stories Archives. OCD Action. Retrieved August 16, 2024, from


OCD Ottawa. (n.d.). MEETINGS. OCD Ottawa. Retrieved August 16, 2024, from


The OCD Stories. (n.d.). The OCD Stories. Retrieved August 16, 2024, from


The OCD Stories (Director). (2016). Recovery from OCD is possible (Motivation) [Film].


University College London. (2023, June 28). Research: People with obsessive-compulsive

disorder have an imbalance of brain chemicals. UCL. Retrieved August 12, 2024, from


University of Cambridge. (2023, June 27). Chemical imbalance in the forebrain underpins

compulsive behaviour and OCD. University of Cambridge. Retrieved August 12, 2024,


Van Noppen, B., & Pato, M. (2009). Living With Someone Who Has OCD. Guidelines for

Family Members. International OCD Foundation. Retrieved August 10, 2024, from


Virtual OCD Support Group. (n.d.). Meetup. Retrieved August 16, 2024, from


Willow Anxiety and OCD. (n.d.). GOALS Virtual Support Group for OCD. Willow Anxiety and

OCD. Retrieved August 16, 2024, from https://www.willowcbt.com/goals-support-group


Yale School of Medicine. (n.d.). Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Research Clinic <

Psychiatry. Yale School of Medicine. Retrieved August 12, 2024, from

 
 
 

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