Pure Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Symptoms and Treatments
When we think about the symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), we usually focus on those that are most typical of this disorder. Like constant cleaning or an excessive need for order. However, not all OCD manifests itself in the same way.
Although compulsions are a very important aspect of this condition, there are cases in which people experience the obsessions without manifesting any type of compulsion. That is, no visible behavioral symptoms. This subtype of OCD is known as pure obsessive compulsive disorder..
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What is pure obsessive compulsive disorder?
Pure obsessive compulsive disorder is a subtype of OCD characterized by the presence of thoughts (obsessions) that appear in the person's mind in a repetitive, intrusive and uncontrollable way.
Unlike traditional OCD, the person with this type of condition does not engage in rituals or behaviors visible physical (compulsions) related to obsessions, so these are accompanied by mental rituals hidden.
Pure obsessive compulsive disorder has been mistakenly considered a less severe variant of OCD. However, those people who experience the symptoms of this condition report that intrusive thoughts can become extremely annoying and distressing.
Despite the fact that these people are given the diagnosis of pure obsessive compulsive disorder, this variant does not appear in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) as a separate or different diagnostic label from OCD traditional.
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What symptoms does it present?
People with the exclusively obsessive variant of obsessive compulsive disorder experience a wide range of OCD symptoms, although Obvious or visible compulsions through the behavior are absent.
To better understand what this disorder consists of, we will carry out a brief review of the symptoms of a clinical picture of OCD. According to the DSM-V, toc is characterized by the presence of obsessions and compulsions.
The person may experience the obsessions in the form of intrusive and repetitive images and thoughts. The content of these thoughts can be focused on somatic, sexual, religious or aggressive themes; as well as in issues related to control, symmetry, cleanliness or hygiene and organization, among many others.
As a result of these obsessive thoughts, the person feels the need to carry out a series of repetitive actions known as compulsions. These actions can be behavioral or mental, as in the case of pure obsessive compulsive disorder, and are intended to reduce the distress caused by the obsessions.
Once these are known, we can ask ourselves, what symptoms then characterize pure obsessive compulsive disorder? There are two specific symptoms that can be used to distinguish a pure OCD from a traditional one. These symptoms they take shape in the presence of mental rituals and in the constant search for comfort.
1. Mental rituals
In pure obsessive compulsive disorder, the person performs a series of mental rituals designed to reduce distress. Said rituals may include constant mental review of memories or information, mental repetition of words or mental undoing and doing certain actions.
2. Constant quest for comfort
In addition to mental compulsions, these people tend to repeatedly and constantly seek comfort. However, patients do not recognize this behavior as a compulsion.
Such behavior may imply a need and search for security in oneself, constantly avoiding objects or situations that cause anxiety and demanding security from other people.
An added complication of this symptom is that people close to the patient may not understand these behaviors and interpret these demands as needs, not as symptoms of a disorder, so they may become tired or upset by these constant requests for comfort
Some studies conducted with people diagnosed with pure obsessive compulsive disorder found that these people viewed obsessive thoughts as taboo or unacceptable thoughts.
Finally, we can conclude that compulsions do appear in this variant of OCD, but that these take a different form than in the traditional diagnosis and, in addition, are much less obvious due to the cognitive nature of these.
Is it, therefore, a different variant of TOC?
While it is true that some research points to the possibility of different forms of OCD, others suggest that the term "pure" is inappropriate. The reason is that people who experience these obsessions without visible behavioral compulsions, yes they participate in hidden mental rituals.
According to these studies, the recognition of these mental rituals as compulsions is very important, as it can be helpful for further diagnosis and treatment. tight.
By understanding that such rituals exist, therapists and mental health professionals can ask patients about these symptoms. Without such inquiries, patients may try to hide them or even be not really aware of their existence.
Is there a treatment?
Treatments for obsessive compulsive disorder, including its "pure" variant, often involve administration of drugs in combination with psychological therapy, support groups and psychological education.
1. Psychological intervention
Traditionally, Cognitive-behavioral therapy has been considered the most effective treatment for OCD. However, in pure OCD it is vitally important that the therapist understand the need to address the underlying mental rituals as well.
On the contrary, if it is considered that the patient only experiences obsessions, the treatment will not be really complete and effective.
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2. Drug therapy
Regarding drug therapy, medications indicated for the treatment of OCD include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) or tricyclic antidepressants like clomipramine.
The choice of pharmacological treatment will depend both on the patient's condition and on his willingness and collaboration in cognitive therapy.