by High-functioning OCD can manifest as perfectionism or excessive worry about mistakes.
Obsessive compulsive disorder It is a complex condition. It is a multifaceted disorder that can arise due to life events (interpersonal trauma, neglect, emotional abuse, etc.), abnormalities of brain structure, or even genetics.
Nicole Erkfitz, therapist and CEO of AMFM Healthtold HuffPost that OCD is an “often misunderstood mental health condition, marked by persistent, distressing thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions).”
While these thoughts and behaviors are known to disrupt an individual’s daily routine, work performance, or relationships, this is not exactly the case for those who have High functioning OCD. Those with this form of the condition may appear motivated and high-achieving; In other words, they may not even seem like they’re dealing with OCD.
“Despite their preoccupation with obsessive thoughts, images or fears, these individuals are able to hide their struggles from others,” said Nika Kalili, therapist at Carrara Treatment Wellness & Spa.
Erkfitz said the term high-functioning OCD is “an informal descriptor that some people use to convey the degree to which their condition affects their daily life.” It is not recognized as a separate clinical diagnosis, but rather as a personal recognition of your struggle with OCD.
Here are the signs of high-functioning OCD and how to best manage the condition:
High-functioning OCD can present with the same main criteria as OCD.
The hallmarks of OCD are the same whether you are considered high functioning or not. These include experiencing obsessions or compulsions, which are distressing thoughts that occur frequently. A person may try to relieve the thoughts by engaging in compulsive behavior. (The most common example here is being overly concerned about germs, so a person will wash their hands much more frequently than normal.)
If these symptoms cause significant stress and are time-consuming, there is concern that OCD may be present. These behaviors can also cause physical or emotional harm to the person experiencing them and likely interfere with daily life.
High-functioning OCD can manifest as the need to excel.
An individual with high-functioning OCD experiences intrusive, recurrent, and obsessive thoughts. Your thoughts may manifest as fear of failure and your resulting compulsions manifest as striving to excel, overwork, and improve yourself in order to be seen as a reliable and competent person.
“These people face the same challenges as other people with the disorder, but maintain their roles and responsibilities at work and at home, despite their internal battles,” Erkfitz explained.
It is common for people with high-functioning OCD to excel in certain aspects of their life, but continue to struggle internally with obsessive thoughts and compulsions.
Perfectionism and excessive worry are also problems.
People with high-functioning OCD may simply seem perfectionistic or high-strung, but if those traits turn into obsessions or are part of intrusive thoughts, they may be a sign of something deeper.
Similarly, here are some other ways high-functioning OCD can show up, according to both experts:
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Having an obsession with micromanaging situations.
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Excessive worry that something bad may happen.
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Intelligent and very functional but suffers in silence
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Compulsions and obsessions that do not affect functioning and are not serious.
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Trying to control future outcomes while obsessing about the past.
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perfectionism
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Stress
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Fear of embarrassment when mistakes are made.
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Obsession with details and schedules
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Compulsively checking and rechecking work.
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Overanalyze
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Take responsibility to avoid mistakes
People with high-functioning OCD often downplay their symptoms.
“People perceived as high-functioning may appear outwardly as great employees, well-educated parents, or exceptionally capable friends,” Erkfitz said. “However, internally they may be dealing with fears or failures, losses or abandonment.”
“Because their obsessions and compulsions are undetectable, unlike low-functioning OCD where symptoms are debilitating, people with high-functioning OCD often dismiss or minimize the symptoms, or downplay them as part of their personality that they believe is They can handle themselves. ”Nika explained.
High-functioning OCD is treated similarly to other forms of OCD.
“Common approaches include pharmacological interventions such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and therapeutic strategies such as exposure therapy, which gradually exposes individuals to their obsessive thoughts to reduce distress,” Erkfitz said.
Since OCD can also be intertwined with trauma, therapy often involves exploring the underlying needs that the compulsions serve. For example, some people with high-functioning OCD may struggle with a core belief of inadequacy. An example: developing self-esteem and self-esteem is crucial to your treatment process.
“Any time OCD begins to hinder a person’s ability to fully participate in life it is a clear indicator that professional assistance may be beneficial,” Erkfitz said.
Whether you or someone you know is dealing with high-functioning OCD, it’s important to understand that the condition is more than just a series of quirky habits or a penchant for perfectionism. “It is a serious health condition that deserves attention and care,” Erkfitz said.
Professional support can make a substantial difference in managing OCD symptoms, allowing people to lead fuller and more satisfying lives.
“For anyone struggling with OCD or related symptoms, remember that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness,” Erkfitz said. “Your primary care doctor can be a gateway to specialized treatment, which can greatly improve your quality of life.”
