Stress can aggravate obsessive disorder

The first time that the thought crepted into his consciousness was while he sat in church one Sunday. Seemingly, out of nowhere, the thought hit him like a bolt of lightening “what if I start screaming in the middle of the sermon in church?” Having never done anything like this before would seem to make this an unlikely event, however, this same question popped into his mind a few moments later and his anxiety skyrocketed. Later that night when he entered his home the horrific thought came upon him “what if I stab my child with a butcher knife?” Again, his anxiety mounted rapidly in spite of the fact that he had no history of violent or impulsive behavior and loved his child very much.

These examples of obsessional thoughts are found in individuals suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The most common obsessional thoughts are repetitive themes of violence, such as killing ones child; contamination, such as fear of germs or infections; or doubts, such as whether one has poisoned their dinner guests.

Many of us can remember the childhood game of avoiding cracks in the sidewalk because “if I step on a crack I’ll break my mother’s back”. Or, perhaps many will recall the admonition to never cross the path of a black cat, walk under a step ladder or open an umbrella inside the house. These more benign forms of worry and fear do not usually cause significant interference in one’s life. However, those individuals trapped by the obsessional thoughts found in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, become so depressed and anxious that they develop compulsive and ritualistic behaviors in an attempt to reduce their anxiety.

Victims know that their thoughts are irrational, but are often too embarrassed to admit their problems to others and thus their problem remains hidden. An estimated five to six million Americans suffer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, a frightening and potentially debilitating psychological problem.

OCD usually begins in adolescence or early adulthood; although for some it may begin in childhood. OCD seems to be equally common in males and females. The educated and uneducated, rich and poor, high IQ and low IQ, can all suffer from OCD.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder seems to run in families and is worsened by stress.

Most patients with OCD have an up and down (waxing and waning) pattern with good days and bad days. The bad days are often associated with periods of stress in the individual’s life. The stressful event can be almost anything, including happy or positive occasions. Many clinicians have found that people with OCD often don’t like change and find that any kind of change is difficult and may trigger the symptoms of OCD. It is important to assure the OCD sufferer that the problem is not their “fault” as guilt can become another issue with those suffering from OCD.

Next week I will discuss compulsive disorders and talk about treatment for OCD.

Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D. Copyright 2000