OCD, the obsessive-compulsive disorder... fear of dirt.

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Washing hands excessively and frequently due to an obsession with dirty hands and fear of catching diseases is one of the manifestations of OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) - Photo: THANH HIEP

OCD becomes severe when anxiety gets out of control.

Cleanliness, tidiness, and meticulousness are considered good qualities. However, when these behaviors become an irresistible obsession, causing distress to the person, those with OCD need specialized treatment.

The disease of inner conflict

On social media forums, there are many private groups called "People with OCD" or families/communities of people with obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, with thousands of members.

The posts are often anonymous, and the users themselves are unsure whether they are experiencing these psychological symptoms.

One Facebook user shared that even though they weren't obsessed with viruses or bacteria, they felt compelled to wash their hands immediately if they saw even a little bit dirty, washing them at least 10 times before cooking.

"Every time I leave the house, I have to check if the door is closed and if the electric stove is unplugged before I go. Sometimes I close the door but then open it again to check if the electric stove is unplugged. Sometimes I've gone a distance but still turn back to check if the gate is securely closed."

Many famous people around the world have openly shared that they suffer from this syndrome, such as Leonardo DiCaprio (the famous actor from the classic film Titanic), legendary football player David Beckham, and "the king of pop" Michael Jackson…

According to Clinical Psychology Master's student Vuong Nguyen Toan Thien, professional director of LUMOS Psychological Counseling and Therapy Center, OCD is a mental disorder characterized by two elements: obsessive thoughts and compulsions.

Obsessive thoughts are repetitive, invading, inappropriate, and distressing thoughts and images such as: fear of catching a disease (from shaking hands), doubts about safety (forgetting to lock the door, turning off the gas stove...), symmetrical or logically ordered arrangements, aggression and impulsive behavior (wanting to harm children, shouting in church), sexual images... Even though they know it's irrational, the sufferer cannot stop them.

They often try to resist but fail, leading them to perform compulsive behaviors such as handwashing, checking, praying, organizing… not for the purpose of creating joy but to reduce anxiety, even if only for a moment.

"In most cases, people with OCD feel compelled to perform these actions to alleviate the distress and anxiety of their obsessions, or to prevent a frightening event or situation," Mr. Thien shared.

The cause is unclear, but the consequences are very real.

Mr. Thien stated that currently, Vietnam does not have any officially published national-scale studies on the prevalence of OCD. However, according to statistics from several medical facilities, such as the clinical psychology department of Le Van Thinh Hospital (Ho Chi Minh City), patients diagnosed with OCD account for approximately 2% of the total number of patients seen at this department.

In addition, some studies in Vietnam show that the prevalence of OCD in the population may range from 2-3%, which is equivalent to the global prevalence rate.

According to MSc. Nguyen Tran Phuoc, a psychology expert from the Psycare applied psychology office, the exact cause of OCD is still not clearly understood. However, factors such as genetics, changes in the brain, childhood trauma, or PANDAS syndrome may play a role.

The average age of onset for OCD is 19, but about 50% of sufferers begin experiencing symptoms in childhood or adolescence. Common manifestations include: handwashing, checking locks, organizing objects in a specific order, hoarding unnecessary items, counting actions, avoiding touching doorknobs or contact with others, etc.

"These obsessions or compulsions consume a significant amount of time (e.g., more than 1 hour per day) or cause distress, impairing social, occupational, or other vital functions."

"If left untreated, OCD can lead to depression, anxiety, panic disorder, and even self-harming thoughts due to prolonged feelings of helplessness and inner conflict," Mr. Phuoc warned.

Don't self-diagnose online.

According to doctors, unlike ordinary stress, OCD cannot "resolve itself" without professional intervention.

To conclude that someone has OCD, Mr. Thien stated that a thorough clinical evaluation based on diagnostic criteria is necessary. Key factors include: the presence of obsessions, compulsions, or both; pronounced anxiety-inducing symptoms that impair social or occupational functioning; and a long duration of symptoms.

Currently, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) are effective treatment methods. In addition, meditation, muscle relaxation, and slow breathing also help reduce stress. In severe cases, medication may be prescribed in combination.

There is no test for OCD. A doctor will make a diagnosis based on symptoms and medical history, ensuring that the symptoms are not caused by substance abuse, other illnesses, or other mental disorders.

Doctors believe that OCD is a serious disorder that cannot be simply identified through a few lines on social media. Self-labeling oneself (or others) as OCD can be misleading, worsen the patient's mental health, or cause them to miss the most effective treatment.

Seek professional mental health care if you or a loved one experiences persistent symptoms that cause mental distress and interfere with daily life. Clearly distinguishing between phobias and obsessive-compulsive disorder is crucial for clinical assessment and guiding appropriate interventions.

This should not be confused with obsessive-compulsive personality traits.

Many people easily confuse OCD with meticulousness or perfectionism. However, according to Mr. Vuong Nguyen Toan Thien, these two things are completely different.

People with OCD cannot avoid washing their hands due to anxiety, sometimes up to 100 times a day, and they suffer because of it. Meanwhile, people with obsessive tendencies enjoy keeping things organized and feel comfortable and satisfied.

People with obsessive-compulsive tendencies maintain control over their behavior, can pause when it's inconvenient, and don't suffer mentally. In contrast, people with OCD lose control, become manipulated by their actions, and experience significant harm to their work, studies, relationships, and quality of life.