Symptoms and Signs of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is one of the anxiety disorders that may develop early in life. It may affect children, more often boys who also have a diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is also diagnosed through adolescence and into early adulthood. Among adults, it affects men and women equally. It occurs in 0.5-1% of people in a given year. OCD is characterized by two features: obsessions and compulsions.
Obsessions are persistent thoughts, images, or impulses that seem intrusive or inappropriate. These ideas are associated with anxiety or distress. One common obsession relates to cleanliness and a belief that objects are contaminated with germs. Some people with OCD may have a concern that a task was not completed or done inappropriately. As an example, there may be anxiety about turning off the stove or locking the door, even though these were in fact safely secured. These obsessions are often ignored or suppressed by engaging in some other thought or action, which is called a compulsion.
Compulsions are defined as repetitive and deliberate actions that are done as a response to a specific obsession. By performing these compulsive acts, the obsessive thoughts can be temporarily suppressed. Compulsions are performed in a very predictable and ritualized fashion. Many have compulsions have a superstitious quality. In order to relieve anxiety about a fear of germs, cleaning may occur. To verify that the door is in fact locked, it may be checked three times. Common compulsions include:
Hand washingCheckingOrderingCountingPrayingRepeating wordsTapping
These compulsions may provide transient relief, but soon the anxiety starts to rise again and the compulsive act must be repeated. When these actions occupy more than 1 hour per day and interfere with the normal routine of life, OCD is diagnosed.
How Does OCD Affect Sleep and Cause Insomnia?
You might conclude that the thoughts and behaviors associated with OCD could become disruptive to sleep. If you try to fall asleep at night but are constantly thinking about the things you need to check, you may have resulting insomnia. In fact, checking behaviors may be disruptive if they involve leaving your sleep environment to reassure yourself.
Surprisingly, there is little evidence that the condition results in abnormalities that can be identified with a sleep study called a polysomnogram. Some research suggests that there may be less total sleep or more sleep disruption, but this has not been consistently demonstrated. It may not solely be due to the OCD but instead could relate to depression, which often coexists with it.
More research is needed into the possible relationship between OCD and sleep disturbances.
Medications Used in the Treatment of OCD
For those people who suffer from OCD, there are a variety of treatment options. These may be especially important if the condition is affecting daily life in a negative way.
Medications such as tricyclic antidepressants (including clomipramine) and selective serotonin receptor inhibitors (SSRIs) are often used. Some of the more commonly used SSRIs are:
FluoxetineFluvoxamineParoxetineSertraline
In addition to the use of medications, working with a psychologist who is trained in desensitization and cognitive behavioral therapy can be helpful. In very rare cases, surgery with the implantation of a deep brain stimulator may be used to alleviate the symptoms.
A Word From Verywell
If you believe that you may be suffering from OCD, you can start by speaking with your primary care physician who may suggest a referral to a psychiatrist to help you feel better. When sleep becomes disturbed, mood, thinking, and function may quickly unravel. By correcting the condition, you may finally get the rest you need to optimize your health and well-being.
