David Beckham, one of the world’s most well-known football stars, shocked many in his 2023 Netflix documentary by candidly revealing his ongoing battle with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Beckham shared how his need for order and symmetry governs many aspects of his life. From lining up objects perfectly, to cleaning up after his family goes to bed, his OCD behaviours are part of a long struggle that he continues to manage daily.
His openness has brought fresh attention to OCD, highlighting that even those who appear to “have it all”, can be deeply affected by mental health conditions.
But what exactly is OCD, and why is it so often misunderstood?
What is OCD?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a complex, chronic mental health condition, thataffects millions of people worldwide; characterised by persistent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions).
The obsessions are typically unwanted, causing significant distress, and the compulsions are performed to reduce this anxiety or prevent a feared event, even though they are often irrational and excessive.
A person with OCD may be preoccupied with concerns about contamination, causing harm to others, or the need for symmetry and exactness. To cope with these obsessions, they engage in compulsive behaviours, such as cleaning excessively, checking things repeatedly, or performing actions in a specific order or pattern. These rituals can be time-consuming and interfere significantly with daily life.
OCD is more than just a quirky need for cleanliness or organisation; it can be debilitating and interfere with a person’s ability to function normally in relationships, work, and other areas of life.
Is OCD an anxiety disorder? If not, what is it?
Whilst OCD shares similarities with anxiety disorders, it is no longer classified as such. In the past, OCD was grouped within the umbrella of anxiety disorders due to the intense anxiety it causes. This changed in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), OCD was reclassified into its own category: Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders. Similarly in the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) it was listed in its own subcategory under the category of Obsessive-compulsive or related disorders.
The reason for this shift is that, although anxiety is a major component of OCD, the disorder’s core symptoms – obsessions and compulsions – differ significantly from those of general anxiety disorders.
Obsessions are specific, unwanted, and intrusive thoughts that drive the compulsive behaviours, whilst anxiety disorders often involve a more generalised sense of fear or worry. Moreover, the compulsions in OCD are aimed at alleviating the distress caused by obsessions, which is a distinct behaviour pattern.
OCD-related disorders include hoarding disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, and trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder), all of which share common features with OCD but are distinct from anxiety disorders.
What are the causes of OCD?
The exact cause of OCD remains unknown, but research suggests a combination of genetic, neurological, behavioural, and environmental factors contribute to its development
Genetic factors: Studies have shown that OCD tends to run in families, suggesting a hereditary component. Individuals with a close relative who has OCD are at higher risk of developing the disorder themselves.
Neurological factors: Brain imaging studies have found differences in the structure and function of certain areas of the brain in people with OCD, particularly the orbitofrontal cortex, caudate nucleus, and anterior cingulate cortex. These areas are involved in decision-making, fear, and behavioural regulation, which may explain some of the compulsive behaviours associated with the disorder.
Environmental factors: Traumatic experiences, prolonged stress, or abuse, particularly in childhood, may trigger the onset of OCD in predisposed individuals. Some research has also suggested a link between streptococcal infections (PANDAS syndrome) and the sudden development of OCD in children.
Behavioural factors: Learning theories suggest that compulsions are maintained through reinforcement, as performing compulsive acts reduces the anxiety caused by obsessions, thereby reinforcing the behaviour and making it more likely to continue.
Statistics: Who is most likely to suffer from OCD?
OCD affects people of all genders, ages, and backgrounds, but certain demographics are more vulnerable than others.
What isn’t OCD?
A common misconception is that OCD is merely about being tidy, organised, or a perfectionist. However, these traits do not constitute OCD unless they are driven by intrusive thoughts and cause significant distress or impairment.
People often joke about having “OCD” when they like things neat or in a particular order, but this trivialises the condition. True OCD is a serious disorder that involves an overwhelming need to perform compulsive behaviours, even when the person recognises them as irrational.
Examples of what is not OCD include:
Symptoms of OCD.
The symptoms of OCD are typically divided into two main categories: obsessions and compulsions. A person with OCD may experience one or both.
Obsessions: These are unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that repeatedly enter the mind. Common obsessions include:
Compulsions: These are repetitive behaviours or mental acts performed in response to an obsession. Common compulsions include:
The compulsions provide temporary relief from the anxiety caused by obsessions, but the cycle repeats, frequently becoming time-consuming and exhausting.
Treatment for OCD.
OCD is treatable, and many individuals with the disorder lead fulfilling lives with the right treatment. Common treatment approaches include:
Through better understanding and access to effective treatment, those with OCD can manage their symptoms and lead meaningful lives. If you or someone you know is struggling with OCD, reach out for help – it is a treatable condition, and support is available.
Mental health treatment clinic in Ibiza, Spain
If you are seeking help for OCD, our luxury residential, mental health and addiction treatment clinic in Ibiza offers compassionate, evidence-based care to help individuals regain control of their lives. We provide a safe, serene environment where you can work towards recovery with a team of highly qualified professionals, experienced in treating OCD, anxiety, depression, substance and behavioural addiction and disorders.
We offer TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) on-site as a part of our therapeutic programme, alongside equine-assisted therapy, and several more conventional approaches for the treatment of addiction and mental health disorders, such as individual and group counselling, CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) and EMDR.
For information on all the therapies we have available here at our clinic in Spain, and details on admissions contact sharon@ibizacalm.com