Dr. Kelly Kennedy

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A closer look

William Buchheit's picture
By: 
William Buchheit

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is one of the most commonly diagnosed mental illnesses in America, with an estimated 1 percent of all adults and 0.5 percent of all children meeting the criteria. In recent decades, the disorder has become a mainstay in pop culture, depicted comically in sitcoms and used in everyday conversations by those without it (e.g., “I’m so OCD when it comes to making the bed”).

But for those who really have OCD, it’s no joke, sucking valuable time from their lives (usually at least an hour per day) and quality from their relationships.
“The Greer Citizen” interviewed Dr. Kelly Kennedy to shed more light on the disorder and it’s symptoms. Kelly is a licensed counselor and the current clinical director of Converse College’s Marriage and Family Therapy program.

OCD has received much media and medical attention in the last few decades. Why do you think that is?

KK: OCD is an interesting diagnosis in that many employers value certain OCD traits such as attention to detail, ordering, and overall perfectionism. However, what many employers don’t see is how the obsessive thoughts can lead to compulsions that decrease productivity.
For example, someone who is overconscientious about order may order a certain stack of documents many times in order to satisfy the obsessive thought.

Obviously, the illness is characterized by obsessiveness. What do people usually obsess about?
 
KK: There are various issues/topics individuals obsess about outlined in our psychological manual, but some general obsessions include cleaning, symmetry/ordering, forbidden or taboo thoughts, and fear of harm to self or others.

Does compulsive activities (constant hand-cleaning, counting, checking, etc.) represent an attempt to stop or control those obsessions?

KK: Yes, the repetitive behaviors are used to attempt to control the thought and are typically applied rigidly.
Many individuals try to achieve a “just right” feeling from the compulsions, hoping to reduce anxiety about the obsessive thought.

How damaging can OCD be to a person’s enjoyment of life?

KK: A colleague described the issue to me as looking for an exit on an interstate without being able to find one.

As a family and couples counselor, you’ve probably encountered multiple cases of OCD. How injurious can it be to marriages and relationships?

KK: I think it depends on the severity of the disorder. I’ve seen the disorder damage professional responsibilities and pull apart relationships. Part of the diagnostic criteria is that it is detrimental to the client’s well-being.

Do people usually seek help for their OCD on their own accord or are they pushed into it by family members?

KK: I have seen both. Many times the person with OCD knows that they need outside help with treatment, but occasionally a spouse or family member may push them to seek outside help.

How effective are antidepressants in the treatment of OCD?

KK:  That’s a complicated question. As human beings, we react differently to different medication regimens, so I always recommend clients see a psychiatrist for formal recommendations and advice on the benefits and risks to starting an antidepressant.

What is the approach a therapist most often uses in treating OCD?
 
KK: OCD may be treated with a combination of psychotropic medication and psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an evidenced-based model to use with OCD, but many couples and family therapy models may be useful as well when the OCD behaviors are taking a toll on the family system.
 
Are most OCD patients resistant to treatment?

KK: Hopefully, the therapist creates a strong therapeutic alliance with the clients and they set mutual goals for therapy before entering treatment so that resistance is minimized.

At what age does the first bout with OCD usually occur?

KK: This varies widely. With OCD, it could be diagnosed as young as early childhood.

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