OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)

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OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)

OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a condition that involves the meticulous application of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Of course, I don’t know how many professionals there are in our country, but coping with OCD is undoubtedly challenging.

OCD, or "takıntı-zorlantı bozukluğu" in Turkish, is often translated as obsessive-compulsive disorder, though it may not be a perfect translation. However, I assume that there are many people in Turkey who struggle with OCD. You all know the "Masumlar Apartmanı" series, and the popular depiction of OCD even made it onto the screen.

As Hakan Türkçapar has stated, OCD is one of the most difficult mental disorders to treat, even with CBT. In my view, we can also add eating disorders to this list. Some might ask, "Why didn’t you include bipolar disorder or schizophrenia?" Of course, these are difficult conditions as well, but their reality perception is largely distorted, so they should be considered in a different category. OCD, however, sometimes involves a distorted perception of reality, but it is fundamentally an issue with the corticostriatothalamocortical neural network.

The most common manifestation of OCD is the well-known "cleanliness obsession." However, OCD can present in many different forms, and even doctors may find it difficult to recognize. Imagine a person in distress due to a life situation, not realizing that their depression is actually caused by the influence of OCD.

Even if a strong therapeutic bond has been established in a session, it can still be difficult to fully understand the client. They may say something, but because of the constant shifting and indecisiveness, you might not be able to fully recognize the issue they are facing. For instance, an obsession with lying is an example of this.

Obsessions formed purely in the mind can be accompanied by compulsions that are neutralized within the mind. This type of OCD can be especially difficult for the person experiencing it, and they often find it incredibly challenging to cope.

Sexual or religiously focused obsessive thoughts can also occur. These may be a sign of a poor prognosis (predicting recovery – progression of the disorder). In adolescents, sexual obsessions often emerge as automatic thoughts or images, such as, "Am I a pervert?" To prove to themselves that they are not, they may engage in intense compulsions, and neutralization is usually achieved. However, over time, neutralization becomes more difficult, and the compulsive behaviors (e.g., avoiding eye contact with a partner so they don’t think their gaze will confirm the obsession) are no longer enough to relieve the anxiety. The person becomes unable to relax.

Eventually, this leads to anger outbursts. The intensity of anxiety and stress opens the door to irritability that does not align with their true self. These egodystonic behaviors are a result of the egodystonic or egosyntonic OCD-focused thought patterns.

As a result, there may be relatives in the family who exhibit obsessive behaviors, and these individuals may present their compulsive behaviors as life necessities. They may not see them as problems, and they justify their sensitivities. It’s important to focus on raising awareness about OCD, which limits both the individual’s and their relatives' freedom.

Clients who perceive their current situation as part of their personality due to years of experience (and those who don’t seek therapy) often think that there is no need for treatment.

The most commonly recommended scientific method for treating OCD is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and with psychopharmacological support, OCD can often be managed. However, we must not overlook that many OCD sufferers feel like they are living in a hopeless world.

Take care...