Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by intrusive, unwanted thoughts, fears, mental images, and urges (known as obsessions) and repetitive, ritualistic behaviors (known as compulsions).
Obsessions cause overwhelming anxiety and psychological distress, and most people with OCD often feel compelled to engage in themed repetitive behaviors or compulsions to counter their anxiety.
For instance, someone with contamination OCD or fear of contracting illness or spreading germs may feel an uncontrollable urge to frequently wash/sanitize their hands or endlessly scrub surfaces in their home to keep germs away.
Obsessions and compulsions can significantly interfere with an individual’s daily life, causing distress and impairing their ability to function. In most cases, OCD symptoms tend to become worse over time if left untreated. Factors that can contribute to the worsening of OCD symptoms include:
1. Excessive Stress
One of the most common triggers for worsening OCD symptoms is stress. When faced with high levels of stress, the brain’s natural response is to seek out a sense of control, which can lead to an increase in obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.
Major life events, such as the loss of a loved one, trauma, job changes, or relationship issues, can significantly increase an individual’s stress levels and exacerbate OCD symptoms.
2. Poor Sleep Hygiene
Sleep is crucial for maintaining good mental health, and a lack of sleep can contribute to worsening OCD symptoms. Research has shown that sleep deprivation can lead to increased anxiety and a decreased ability to manage obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.
Ensuring that you get enough restorative sleep each night is essential in managing OCD and preventing symptoms from becoming more severe.
3. Substance Abuse
Individuals with OCD may turn to alcohol or drugs as a way to self-medicate and cope with their symptoms. However, substance abuse often has the opposite effect, causing OCD symptoms to worsen.
Alcohol and drugs can interfere with the brain’s natural chemistry, making it hard for individuals to control their obsessions and compulsions.
4. Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions
Having another mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety, can also worsen OCD symptoms. The presence of multiple mental health issues can make it more difficult to manage OCD and may increase an individual’s risk of developing severe symptoms.
As such, a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses all co-occurring mental health conditions is necessary to help prevent OCD symptoms from worsening.
5. Ongoing Negative Reinforcement
Individuals with OCD may engage in compulsive behaviors as a way to alleviate the emotional and psychological distress caused by their obsessions. However, engaging in these behaviors can create a cycle of negative reinforcement, where the individual is inadvertently reinforcing their OCD symptoms by repeatedly engaging in compulsive behaviors to reduce anxiety.
Breaking this cycle can be challenging, but it is crucial for managing and improving OCD symptoms.
6. Hormonal Fluctuations
Research has shown that hormonal fluctuations can trigger the onset of OCD or worsen symptoms for some people. However, the connection between hormones and OCD is still not fully understood, and more research is needed to further expound upon this relationship.
7. Lack of Adequate Treatment
OCD is a progressive and potentially disabling condition that requires prompt and effective treatment. When left untreated, OCD symptoms can become worse with time as the obsessions and compulsions become more ingrained in your daily life.
Getting appropriate treatment from a qualified mental health professional is essential for managing and improving OCD symptoms.
Living with OCD
OCD can be a crippling condition, but it is also highly treatable. Understanding factors that can cause OCD to get worse and taking the necessary steps to address these issues is essential in managing symptoms and improving overall quality of life.
If you or a loved one is experiencing OCD symptoms, it’s advisable to seek professional help as soon as possible. Like many other mental illnesses, early intervention can greatly improve treatment outcomes.
