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 the 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 obsessions without actually manifesting any type of compulsion. That is, no type of visible behavioral symptoms. This subtype of OCD is known as 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 who suffers from this type of condition does not engage in rituals or visible physical behaviors (compulsions) related to obsessions, so they are accompanied by hidden mental rituals.
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 be extremely annoying and distressing
Although these individuals 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 distinct diagnostic label from traditional OCD.
People who suffer from the exclusively obsessional variant of obsessive-compulsive disorder experience a wide range of OCD symptoms, although obvious or behaviorally visible compulsions are absent
To better understand what this disorder consists of, we will carry out a brief review of the symptoms typical of a clinical picture of OCD. According to the DSM-V, OCD is characterized by the presence of obsessions and compulsions.
The person may experience obsessions in the form of intrusive and repetitive images and thoughts. The content of these thoughts may 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 pure OCD from a traditional one. These symptoms They take shape in the presence of mental rituals and the constant search for consolation
1. Mental rituals
In pure obsessive-compulsive disorder, the person performs a series of mental rituals designed to reduce distress. These rituals may include constant mental review of memories or information the mental repetition of words or mentally undoing and doing certain actions.
In addition to mental compulsions, these people tend to repeatedly and constantly seek comfort. However, patients do not recognize this behavior as a compulsion.
This behavior may involve 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 bothered by these constant requests for comfort
Some studies conducted with people diagnosed with pure obsessive-compulsive disorder found that these people considered obsessive thoughts as taboo or unacceptable thoughts
Finally, we can conclude that in this variant of OCD compulsions do appear, but that these take a different form than in the traditional diagnosis and, furthermore, are much less obvious due to the cognitive nature of these
Is it, therefore, a different variant of OCD?
While it is true that some research points to the possibility that different forms of OCD exist, others suggest that the term “pure” is inappropriate. The reason is that people who experience these obsessions without visible behavioral compulsions, They do participate in hidden mental rituals
According to these studies, the recognition of these mental rituals as compulsions is very important, since it can be helpful when making a more accurate diagnosis and treatment.
By understanding that such rituals exist, therapists and mental health professionals can ask patients about these symptoms. Without such investigations, patients may try to hide them or even not be really aware of their existence.
Treatments for obsessive-compulsive disorder, including its “pure” variant, usually 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 understands the need to also address the underlying mental rituals.
On the contrary, if it is considered that the patient only experiences obsessions, the treatment will not be truly complete and effective.
2. Drug therapy
Regarding pharmacological therapy, medications indicated for the treatment of OCD include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or tricyclic antidepressants such as clomipramine.
The choice of pharmacological treatment will depend on both the patient’s condition and their willingness and collaboration in cognitive therapy.
