5 Lesser-Known Signs of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

OCD is a mental health disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts and repetitive actions to alleviate the thoughts. Many people with OCD have issues with symmetry, cleanliness, or similar behaviors, but it goes far beyond that.

At Pacific Phoenix Psychiatry & TMS, Dr. Elia R. Gonzalez-Rodriguez provides OCD treatment for veterans and citizens in the Salmon Creek, East Vancouver, and Steilacoom-Lakewood areas of Washington.

Dr. Gonzalez-Rodriguez understands the complexity of mental health disorders like OCD, anxiety, and depression. She offers TMS therapy along with medication management to control symptoms of these conditions.

The facts on OCD

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a mental health issue characterized by obsessions and compulsions. The obsessions are intrusive thoughts that typically drive the compulsions to alleviate anxiety.

Obsessions are a group of unwanted and intrusive thoughts that you can't eliminate, even when trying to ignore them. To alleviate the constant fear and stress of the obsessions, your mind tells you to perform compulsions in an effort to relieve stress.

OCD significantly affects the lives of those living with it. Those obsessions and compulsions become routine and may interfere with school, work, and social activities.

Most obsessions and compulsions focus on a specific theme, such as fear of contamination, a need for things to be overly organized, or a propensity to doubt everything. Some people have symptoms of both, while others only have obsessions or compulsions.

Five lesser-known symptoms of OCD

Many people are familiar with the obsession with avoiding contamination and the compulsion to wash their hands until they're raw. But that isn’t the only sign or symptom of OCD. There are various compulsions and obsessions with which people aren't as familiar.

Not everyone who has OCD knows it, because their symptoms may not be typical. Five of the lesser-known signs of OCD that we see include the following:

1. Perfectionism

People with OCD may exhibit signs of perfectionism because they want everything to be absolutely perfect. They may procrastinate because they are trying to make everything just right or may be overly ambitious, even if it's more than they can handle.

2. Body dysmorphia

Some people living with OCD seem to focus a lot on their body's flaws, to the point of body dysmorphia. The obsession lies in their perception of imperfections, which may lead to extreme dieting or plastic surgery.

3. Depression

OCD is extremely taxing on one's mental health, which often leads to frustration and sadness. Depression is a symptom of OCD, along with anxiety, because of the intrusive thoughts and constant compulsions that rule your life.

4. Trouble concentrating

The persistent, intrusive thoughts that run through your mind often make it hard to concentrate or focus. People with OCD may seem like they aren’t paying attention. Still, really, they're stuck with an internal battle of overthinking about obsessions.

5. Frequently confessing

People with OCD may seem to constantly confess every "sin" they commit to anyone who will listen. These people have an intense fear of disappointment or going to hell for the smallest of sins, causing them to confess every little thing to someone they're close to.

If you are exhibiting any of these signs or think you may have OCD, Dr. Gonzalez-Rodriguez discusses your symptoms and comes up with a treatment plan. Most people live happy and fulfilling lives with expert OCD treatment.

We offer several treatment options, including medication management and TMS therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is also an option to help you deal with OCD symptoms.

Contact our team today to schedule an appointment for OCD treatment or request a consultation online. Our team offers services to those in the greater Portland area, including Salmon Creek, East Vancouver, and Steilacoom-Lakewood, Washington.