MADISON, Wis. (WKOW) — Obsessive Compulsive Disorder affects up to 10 million Americans, according to the International OCD Foundation. Experts say the disorder can manifest in ways beyond the common stereotypes of cleanliness and hand washing.
According to Child Psychiatrist Samuel Partington with Rogers Behavioral Health, OCD involves distressing thoughts and repetitive behaviors that disrupt daily life. Obsessions may include fears of contamination or moralistic worries, while behaviors often involve repeating actions and seeking reassurance.
“And sometimes these thoughts, these intrusive thoughts, can involve thoughts about hurting yourself or hurting someone else or doing something really inappropriate,” he said.
He notes it can be tough for someone with OCD to open up about what they are going through.
“It can be really difficult for someone to share what their intrusive thoughts are because, again, they can be very embarrassing or distressful, and it can often lead to people judging them or having the impression that it’s their choice that they’re doing this,” Partington said.
Partington specializes in treating depression, anxiety, and OCD in children and adolescents. For his patients, he finds it can help to refer to OCD as a separate entity. He explains it by telling parents, “It’s not your child that is doing this behavior. It’s the OCD monster that’s influencing them to do these behaviors. And so what we’re going to do is help your child get stronger to overcome that OCD monster.”
If you struggle with OCD, Partington recommends reaching out to your primary care doctor to explore treatment options. The International OCD Foundation states that exposure and response therapy can dramatically improve outcomes.