High-functioning OCD can manifest as perfectionism or excessive worry about mistakes.
Obsessive compulsive disorder It is a complex situation. It is a multifaceted disease that can occur due to life events (interpersonal trauma, neglect, emotional abuse, etc.), abnormalities in brain structure, and even genetics.
Nicole Erkfitz, therapist and executive director AMFM Health Serviceshe told HuffPost It states that OCD is “an often misunderstood mental health condition marked by persistent, distressing thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions).”
Although 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 these thoughts and behaviors. high functioning OCD. Those with this condition may appear determined and successful; in other words, they may not even appear to be dealing with OCD at all.
“Despite being preoccupied with obsessive thoughts, images, or fears, these individuals are able to hide their difficulties from others,” said Nika Kalili, a therapist at Carrara Treat Wellness & Spa.
The term high-functioning OCD is “an informal descriptor that some people use to express the extent to which their condition affects their daily lives,” Erkfitz said. It is not considered a separate clinical diagnosis, but rather a personal acknowledgment of their struggle with OCD.
Here are the symptoms of high-functioning OCD and how to best manage the condition:
High-functioning OCD can present with the same main criteria as OCD.
Whether or not you are considered high-functioning, the hallmarks of OCD are the same. These include experiencing obsessions or compulsions, which are distressing thoughts that occur frequently. A person will likely try to relieve the thoughts by engaging in a compulsive behavior. (The most common example here is being overly concerned about germs, so a person washes their hands much more often than usual.)
If these symptoms cause significant stress and take time, there is concern that OCD may be present. These behaviors can also cause physical or emotional harm to the person experiencing them and possibly interfere with daily life.
High-functioning OCD can manifest as a need for perfection.
An individual with high-functioning OCD experiences intrusive, repetitive, and obsessive thoughts. Their thoughts may manifest as fear of failure, and the resulting compulsions may manifest as striving to excel, overworking, and coping with being seen as a trustworthy and competent person.
“These individuals face the same challenges as others with this disorder, but despite their internal struggles, they maintain their roles and responsibilities at work and at home,” Erkfitz explained.
It is common for individuals with high-functioning OCD to find themselves excelling in certain aspects of their lives but still internally struggle with obsessive thoughts and compulsions.
Perfectionism and excessive anxiety are also problems.
People with high-functioning OCD may appear to be perfectionists or irritable, but if these traits develop into obsessions or are part of intrusive thoughts, they may be a sign of something deeper.
Likewise, according to both experts, there are several other ways high-functioning OCD can manifest:
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Having an obsession with micromanagement situations
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Excessive worry that something bad might happen
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Smart and highly functional but suffers from silence
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Compulsions and obsessions that do not disrupt functionality and are not severe
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Trying to control future outcomes while obsessing over the past
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perfectionism
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Stress
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Fear of embarrassment when making mistakes
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Being obsessed with details and schedules
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Mandatory checking and rechecking work
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over analysis
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Taking responsibility to prevent mistakes
Those with high-functioning OCD often minimize their symptoms.
“Individuals perceived as high-functioning may appear from the outside to be great employees, well-put together parents, or exceptionally talented friends,” Erkfitz said. “But internally they may be struggling with fears, failures, loss or abandonment.”
“Unlike low-functioning OCD, where the symptoms are debilitating, because their obsessions and compulsions go undetected, people with high-functioning OCD often ignore or minimize the symptoms or dismiss them as part of their personality that they believe they can manage on their own,” explained Nika.
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.
Because OCD can also be intertwined with trauma, therapy often involves exploring the basic needs that the compulsions serve. For example, some with high-functioning OCD may struggle with core beliefs of inadequacy. Case in point: Establishing self-worth and dignity is crucial to treatment processes.
“When OCD begins to interfere with a person’s ability to fully participate in life, it is a clear indication that professional help may be helpful,” 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 a set of quirky habits or a tendency towards perfectionism. “This is a serious health condition that deserves attention and care,” Erkfitz said.
Professional support can make a significant difference in managing OCD symptoms and enable individuals to live fuller, more satisfying lives.
“For anyone struggling with OCD or related symptoms, remember that reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness,” Erkfitz said. “Your primary care doctor can be a gateway to specialized treatment that can greatly improve your quality of life.”