Raising awareness: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder may be more prevalent than you thinkElisha Goldstein, Ph.D. Updated: Dec 17th 2008 For years mental health professionals thought this was a small issue in the general public. Now research shows us that over 3 million people in the United States alone suffer from it and it is just entering mainstream awareness. It's equally prevalent in men and women and we can notice the beginnings of it often in children and adolescents. Yes, I'm talking about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and it's just starting to seep into the public's awareness as a psychological issue. Do you or someone you know have it?
OCD is considered to be an anxiety disorder. If you, or someone you know, has obsessions or compulsions that are severe enough or cause you or them enough distress that interferes with daily life (socially or professionally), you may want to read on. There are all different types of OCD. Mainly, one needs to have repetitive, negative thoughts or images (obsessions) that lead to some anxiety, fear, shame, disgust (distress) that may or may not lead to repetitive thoughts or actions (compulsions) to alleviate the distress. You may be someone who suffers from thoughts of things being contaminated by germs, so you excessively wash and clean. Or you could worries about your safety and so you check your locks or oven over and over again. You may be someone who is very keen if the slightest thing is out of order and immediately have to put it in its place or face severe discomfort. Or maybe you just like to collect or hoard things to the point where your hallways are getting difficult to squeeze through. Potentially, you hold your breath or repeat certain words or numbers in your head in order to keep yourself or others safe from some disaster. Or maybe you have frightening images that pop into your head that you obsess about and can't seem to escape from, like stabbing a close friend or driving off a cliff. If you identify with any of these, you are potentially dealing with an issue of OCD. The great news is you're not alone and there is good support out there for this. Often times when working with OCD we're progressively going through a process of facing things we are afraid of. This could be a great thing for anyone to do. We are all constrained and held back by our fears on a daily basis. Being able to face the discomfort of fear instead of avoiding it, allows us to break free and move toward living the lives we want. It is often best to do this with the accompaniment of a professional. Let us know if any questions arose while reading this. Or if you or someone you care about has suffered from this and received help, what has worked for them? Sharing your questions and comments provides others the chance to interact and learn that may help them at all. We all have wisdom to share. Finding support for OCD - Dr.T - Dec 29th 2008
Hello Julie, I'm sorry to hear about your husband. OCD can be very frustrating as well as painful (even physically) to the person suffering. You mentioned that you were looking for an OCD specialist not located in the U.S. Well...this may be a bit difficult, especially if you don't have any ties to these other countries from the U.S. However, I would recommend getting in touch with those countrys' mental health services and inquiring about specialists. You can check out this website: http://www.geonius.com/ocd/ and perhaps they can guide you. You may also be able to contact local support centers who can then lead you to other centers in other countries. http://psychcentral.com/resources/Obsessive-Compulsive/Support_Groups/ . There is also http://psychcentral.com/resources/Psychotherapy/Treatment_Centers/ . Lastly, there is a resource center for mental health treatment in Mumbai, India http://www.clickindia.com/detail.php?id=113557. Good luck. OCD Specialist in Czech Republic, India or Malaysia? (Or around these countries) - Julie - Dec 29th 2008
Hi, My husband is suffering frm OCD. He is 24 years old and was diagnosed since he was 16. Typically his obsession revolved around washing, checking on things, and sexual thoughts. His obsessions evolved according to his locations/things which he gets involved in. At one point, during the first few years of our r/ship, he was obsessed with me. He has been taking medications (Lexapro) continuously for abt 2-3 years now. But his situation is getting worse in terms of his sexual thoughts. I have been trying to get in touch with local (Malaysia) OCD Specialist, but to no avail. He is currently working in Czech Republic and we are trying to locate OCD Specialist over there. Im hoping you will be able to advice on this. Thank you very much Juliana Thank you! - Elisha Goldstein, Ph.D. - Dec 18th 2008
Your insight really helps get a felt sense for the process a washer and cleaner goes through and also how it can be difficult for those around them. One thing I'd like to add is that not only does OCD lead to other phobias and anxieties, but it can also be compounded with depression, substance abuse, and eating disorders which might make it easy to overlook when we're looking at our symptoms or those of others. One anxiety diagnosis can lead to another - Dr.T - Dec 18th 2008
What's interesting about OCD and other anxiety disorders is that usually one anxiety disorder either leads to another or provides the foundation for a phobia. People who have suffered from agoraphobia usually also have generalized anxiety or some type of phobia. I know a few people who are very particular about germs and they are so worried about them that they will immediately make me aware of them when I've come in contact with them. They will not let me pump gas and then not wash my hands; or touch my living-room floor and then touch my hair or my face. I'm rather particular as well when it comes to germs, especially when a child or newborn has/can come in contact with them. However, there are some germs that we just couldn't live without. They help to build our immune system and to keep us safe from other harmful germs. Similarly, there truly is no logical way to protect oneself from all the germs in the world. When you flush, germs appear, even if you put the seat down. When you go to restaurants, there are germs just waiting for you when you sit down in the chairs, eat at the tables, and even talk to others in close proximity. All of this makes sense, but to one with OCD...this really doesn't matter. It's about what makes them feel "psychologically" better about their reality. Even if my friend knows she cannot rid herself of germs, she'll use Ammonia, bleach, or any antibacterial product she can find to at least feel more comfortable about her surroundings. Essentially, there is no way to escape the world of germs we live in. I don't blame anyone for trying...but it truly can become tiring (and maybe even stressful) for those who deal with those who are sensitive or worried about germs 24/7. | 
Elisha Goldstein, Ph.D. is a Clinical Psychologist and conducts a private practice in West Los Angeles. He is co-author of A Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Workbook (New Harbinger, February 2010).
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