OCD Awareness Week: October 10-16

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Awareness Week, observed from October 10-16, is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about OCD, promoting understanding, and supporting those affected by the condition. Launched by the International OCD Foundation in 2009, this week is dedicated to dispelling myths, breaking the stigma around mental illness, and providing education about OCD.

Understanding OCD: Obsession vs. Mania

One of the key aspects of OCD diagnosis is distinguishing between obsessions and mania, as these terms are often misunderstood or conflated. Here’s a closer look at the differences:

Obsessions in OCD

Nature of Thoughts: Obsessions are intrusive, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that cause significant anxiety or distress. These thoughts are typically ego-dystonic, meaning the individual recognises them as irrational and inconsistent with their values and beliefs.

Emotional Impact: Obsessions lead to high levels of anxiety and discomfort, prompting the individual to engage in compulsive behaviours to alleviate the distress.

Examples: Common obsessions include fears of contamination, harming others, or making mistakes.

Mania in Bipolar Disorder

Nature of Thoughts: Mania involves a distinct period of abnormally elevated, expansive, or irritable mood, often accompanied by increased energy and activity levels. Thoughts during mania are typically ego-syntonic, meaning the individual perceives them as reasonable and aligned with their self-image.

Emotional Impact: Mania is characterised by feelings of euphoria, grandiosity, or irritability, which can lead to impulsive and risky behaviours.

Examples: Symptoms of mania include inflated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, talkativeness, and engaging in high-risk activities.

Key Differences

Recognition of Thoughts: In OCD, individuals are usually aware that their obsessions are irrational (ego-dystonic), whereas in mania, individuals often believe their thoughts and behaviours are justified (ego-syntonic).

Emotional State: OCD is primarily associated with anxiety and distress, while mania involves elevated or irritable mood.

Behavioural Responses: OCD leads to compulsive behaviours aimed at reducing anxiety, whereas mania results in impulsive actions driven by heightened mood and energy levels.

St Martin’s Contribution:

At St Martin’s we seized the opportunity during the OCD Awareness Week to better educate ourselves and others about the nuances of OCD, including the critical differences between obsessions and mania via this blog. Our competent team pays close attention to monitoring symptoms and triggers of manic of obsessive episodes and provide 24/7 support to all residents. During these hard times, we ensure that staff suitably support the residents’ needs in a holistic but individual care aspect. We support our residents to go through these episodes by conducting necessary key work sessions to discuss thoughts, emotions and achieve self-awareness and self-understanding of OCD. We monitor their medication progress and support with compliance, prompts and encouragement in order to achieve stabilization of the illness and reassurance of a more positive life style.