What Are The Symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders?

The Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum consists of a group of conditions that involve the presence of obsessions and compulsions.

There are different types of conditions in this spectrum – all of which normally cause significant impairment in life. The exact characteristics of each condition differ, though many key symptoms are the same.

What is the Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum?

Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum: The Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum consists of a range of conditions that share the hallmark of obsessive and compulsive behaviours. An obsession is an unwanted and unpleasant thought, doubt, image or urge that repeatedly enters a person’s mind. A compulsion is a repetitive action that the person then carries out to temporarily relieve the anxiety brought on by the obsession. There are many conditions that fall into this category – with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) the most well-known.

Similar symptoms

In general, an individual with one of the Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum disorders will have obsessions – including persistent thoughts or urges, and subsequent compulsions – the repetitive behaviours or acts that the person does to satisfy their obsession. The particular obsessions and compulsions in each condition differ.

Each condition on the obsessive-compulsive spectrum features an obsession:

• An obsession is an unwanted and unpleasant thought, doubt, image or urge that repeatedly enters a person’s mind. As a result, the person experiences anxiety or general unease. Examples include fear of contamination, and a need to organise items symmetrically.

The vast majority of conditions feature a compulsion:

• A compulsion is a repetitive action that the person then carries out to temporarily relieve the anxiety brought on by the obsession. Examples include rituals, checking and reassurance.

Differing symptoms

The exact obsessions and compulsions differ from condition to condition within the spectrum. For instance:

• Someone with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder may have an urge to wash their hands before touching anything – due to fears over cleanliness. They may feel unable to touch any surface prior to washing their hands.      
• Someone with Body Dysmorphic Disorder may constantly check their appearance in the mirror, and obsess over an apparent fault. They may have the compulsion to use makeup or some other product in order to cover up the perceived flaw
• Someone with Hoarding Disorder may be unable to discard of an item when they wish to. Whenever they are about to get rid of something, they may think about how one day they might need the item. Their compulsion will be to keep the item, adding it to their hoard.
• Someone with Trichotillomania will commonly have the obsession to pull out their hair – especially in instances where they are highly stressed. The person will have endless thoughts about this until they complete the act and pull out their hair.
• Someone with Excoriation Disorder will often have the obsession to pick at their skin. The person will have persistent thoughts about this until they complete the act and pick at their skin.
• Someone with Primarily Obsessional OCD will commonly have an obsession over a fear of what they might do in a social situation. Instead of enjoying themselves in a social situation, they will fret over how the are acting. There are few, or mild, obsessions involved in this condition.  

The impact these symptoms have

These various symptoms will typically cause an individual’s behaviour to change. They may become withdrawn from others, become preoccupied with their rituals, or alienate others with their peculiar ways of completing activities.

Each of these conditions commonly lead to low mood. Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum disorders are commonly aligned with Depression [1].

Moreover, people with these disorders often adopt harmful coping strategies like Substance Abuse. This can worsen their mental state further.

As summarised here, the symptoms of these conditions can cause substantial harm to an individual.

Summary

As mentioned above, these symptoms can make life difficult for an individual. Their obsessions can overtake their life – while the compulsions can cause harm, all while only actually providing temporary relief.

The destructive cycle that ensues in these disorders can be very difficult to cope with. Accessing treatment therefore is very important.  

See Also

1. Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders: Everything You Need to Know
2. What Are The Different Types of Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders?
3. What Are The Symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders?
4. What Are The Causes of Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders?
5. How are Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders Diagnosed?
6. How Can Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders be Treated?
7. What is the Prognosis for Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders?
8. 10 Tips for Living With Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders