Am I obsessed?
What Are Obsessions and Compulsions?
Obsessions are intrusive, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that cause significant anxiety. These are not just occasional worries but persistent, repetitive concerns. Compulsions, on the other hand, are behaviors that a person feels driven to perform to alleviate the anxiety caused by the obsession.
Example: A college student might obsess about the idea that they left the door unlocked. Despite checking it multiple times, they continue to feel anxious until they return home to check again, disrupting their daily schedule.
The Impact on Young Adults
For young adults, OCD can cause significant distress, particularly during crucial periods such as college years or early career development. According to the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF), OCD affects about 2.3% of the U.S. population at some point in their lives, with the average age of onset being 19 years old, aligning closely with college age. In fact, the disorder typically starts between the ages of 8 and 12 or during late adolescence and early adulthood, making it particularly relevant to young adults.
Quote: "Living with OCD is like being constantly pulled in opposite directions. On one hand, you know your fears and compulsions are irrational, but on the other hand, the anxiety is so overwhelming that you're forced to act on them." - Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale, OCD advocate and founder of the Peace of Mind Foundation
Understanding Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is one of the most well-known but also most misunderstood mental health conditions. People often make light of OCD, using it colloquially to describe someone who is highly organized or particular about cleanliness. However, OCD is a serious condition that can be deeply distressing and disruptive to everyday life, especially for young adults balancing school, work, and relationships.
OCD’s Academic and Social Consequences
OCD can have a detrimental effect on academic performance. Young adults might struggle with time management because compulsions take up hours of their day, leading to missed deadlines and difficulty concentrating. Socially, OCD can create significant embarrassment, especially if compulsive behaviors are visible to others.
Statistic: A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that approximately 40% of individuals with OCD experience significant impairment in their academic or professional lives. Moreover, 30% experience social isolation as a direct consequence of their symptoms.
Quote: “Young adults with OCD can feel especially alienated in social situations because their compulsions can seem strange or embarrassing to others, causing further anxiety and avoidance of social settings.” - Dr. Jeffrey Schwartz, author of "Brain Lock"
Co-occurring Conditions
It is common for OCD to occur alongside other mental health disorders, particularly anxiety disorders, depression, and even eating disorders. Research indicates that two-thirds of individuals diagnosed with OCD also have a co-occurring disorder.
Example: A young adult with OCD may also struggle with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), where persistent worry exacerbates compulsions, creating a vicious cycle of anxiety and compulsive behavior.
Treatment Options
One of the most effective treatments for OCD is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), particularly Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), where individuals are gradually exposed to their obsessive thoughts without engaging in the corresponding compulsive behaviors. Additionally, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a type of antidepressant, are commonly used to help reduce the severity of OCD symptoms.
Statistics: Research from the American Psychiatric Association shows that ERP is effective in reducing OCD symptoms in 60-80% of cases, and SSRIs have been shown to decrease symptoms by approximately 40-60%.
Quote: “ERP is like learning to tolerate discomfort. At first, it seems unbearable, but over time, individuals learn that they can handle the anxiety without resorting to compulsions.” - Dr. Jonathan Abramowitz, Professor of Psychology and expert on OCD
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD): The Pressure to Be Perfect
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is characterized by an obsessive preoccupation with perceived flaws in one’s appearance, which often leads to significant emotional distress and impairment in daily functioning. In the age of social media, BDD is increasingly prevalent among young adults, many of whom feel pressured to conform to unrealistic beauty standards set by influencers and celebrities.
What Is Normal?
It’s typical for people, especially during adolescence and young adulthood, to occasionally feel self-conscious about their appearance. However, when these concerns become all-consuming and interfere with daily life—causing avoidance of social events, constant checking in the mirror, or excessive grooming—this may indicate BDD.
Social Media and BDD
A 2019 study from the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry found that 13% of adolescents who used social media for more than 3 hours per day reported body image concerns linked to BDD-like symptoms. For young adults, the comparison culture fostered by social media can exacerbate pre-existing vulnerabilities, especially during a stage of life when identity is still being formed.
Quote: “Body Dysmorphic Disorder is fueled by a distorted self-image that can be aggravated by the constant feedback loop of social media likes, comments, and filters. Young adults are particularly susceptible because they are already navigating a complex period of self-identity.” - Dr. Katharine Phillips, leading expert on BDD
The Cycle of BDD
People with BDD often engage in repetitive behaviors, such as mirror checking, seeking reassurance from others, or even avoiding mirrors entirely. These behaviors, while intended to reduce distress, often reinforce the obsession with perceived flaws.
Statistic: According to the International OCD Foundation, BDD affects 1 in 50 people, with symptoms typically emerging during adolescence or early adulthood.
BDD and Cosmetic Surgery
In an attempt to "fix" perceived flaws, individuals with BDD are more likely to seek cosmetic procedures, even though these often fail to alleviate the underlying obsession. In fact, studies show that 20-30% of individuals who seek cosmetic surgery have symptoms of BDD, but surgery rarely results in satisfaction with one’s appearance.
Quote: “Cosmetic surgery for BDD is a band-aid for a deeper psychological wound. The problem isn’t the body; it’s the mind’s perception of the body.” - Dr. David Veale, BDD specialist and psychiatrist
Treatment Options
Similar to OCD, CBT is the most effective treatment for BDD, particularly when combined with ERP to help individuals confront their fears of perceived flaws. SSRIs are also frequently prescribed to manage symptoms of anxiety and depression that often accompany BDD.
Statistic: Research from The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry suggests that 75% of individuals with BDD see significant improvements in symptoms after receiving CBT.
Hoarding Disorder: When Clutter Becomes Chaos
Hoarding Disorder involves the compulsive need to acquire and retain objects, often leading to a cluttered and hazardous living environment. For young adults, especially those living in shared housing or transitioning to independent living, hoarding can cause severe disruptions in their ability to function.
The Psychology Behind Hoarding
Hoarding disorder is more than just an inability to let go of things; it is often rooted in a deep emotional attachment to objects. These individuals may fear that discarding items will result in losing valuable memories or vital resources.
Quote: "Hoarding is often about safety and control. It’s a way for individuals to create a sense of order in a world that feels chaotic to them." - Dr. Randy Frost, author of "Stuff: Compulsive Hoarding and the Meaning of Things"
Statistics on Hoarding Disorder
A 2016 study in The American Journal of Psychiatry found that hoarding disorder affects 2-5% of the population, with symptoms typically becoming more pronounced during adolescence or early adulthood. The study also found that 50% of individuals diagnosed with hoarding disorder also meet the criteria for a depressive disorder.
Hoarding and Academic Performance
For young adults, hoarding can significantly impact academic performance and social relationships. A cluttered living space can make it difficult to focus on studies, while the shame associated with hoarding may lead individuals to avoid inviting friends or roommates into their space, contributing to social isolation.
Treatment Options
CBT, specifically tailored for hoarding disorder, is the most effective treatment. However, because hoarding often involves deep emotional attachments to possessions, progress can be slow, and long-term support may be necessary.
Statistic: The Journal of Anxiety Disorders reports that 80% of individuals who receive CBT for hoarding show a reduction in symptoms after 12 months of treatment, though relapse is common.
Trichotillomania and Excoriation Disorder: Managing the Urge
Trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder) and excoriation disorder (skin-picking disorder) are two body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) that involve irresistible urges to pull out hair or pick at the skin. These disorders can cause visible damage to the body, leading to feelings of shame, anxiety, and even depression.
What Triggers BFRBs?
Both trichotillomania and excoriation disorder are often triggered by stress or boredom. For young adults, these behaviors may become a coping mechanism for managing academic pressures or social anxiety.
Impact on Daily Life
BFRBs can significantly impact a young adult's self-esteem, especially when the behaviors result in noticeable bald spots, scabs, or scarring. This can lead to avoidance of social situations or a preoccupation with hiding the effects of these behaviors.
Statistic: According to the Trichotillomania Learning Center (TLC), about 1-2% of the population struggles with trichotillomania, and 3-5% with excoriation disorder. The onset of these disorders typically occurs between the ages of 10 and 13.
Quote: “Body-focused repetitive behaviors can feel like they take on a life of their own. What starts as a coping mechanism can quickly spiral into a habit that feels impossible to control.” - Dr. Fred Penzel, expert on BFRBs
Treatment Options
Habit Reversal Training (HRT) is the most commonly used treatment for BFRBs. This form of CBT teaches individuals to recognize the triggers for their behaviors and replace them with healthier habits.
Statistic: The Journal of Anxiety and Depression reports that 60% of individuals who undergo HRT see significant improvement in their symptoms.
By delving further into the psychological impact, prevalence, and evidence-based treatments of obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, this guide can better serve young adults navigating these challenges. From social media influences exacerbating body image concerns to the daily struggles of living with OCD, understanding these disorders helps reduce stigma and encourages those affected to seek help.