Sometimes people suffering from OCD complain about experiencing the signs of psychosis as well. However, this is not the case with all. Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a relatively common mental health illness as compared to psychosis. Moreover, it is not an age-specific disorder. While OCD is highly treatable, the ratio of it being misunderstood or misdiagnosed is much higher than psychosis. The media is still focused on showing OCD as hyper-focused on cleanliness and organization of things.
But these are only a few examples of the many signs that a person with OCD exhibits. Moreover, along with obsessions and compulsions, some people may also experience signs of psychosis. To learn more, continue reading this knowledgeable content.
What Is OCD?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is identified by recurrent and disturbing thoughts normally known as obsessions and repetitive, ritualized behaviors (compulsions).
Obsessions can be present in the form of intrusive images or unwanted impulses. While, compulsions can be so severe that they can negatively impact a person’s daily life, such as their activities and socialization.
If a person is suffering from OCD, then they might relate to the following signs:
- Harm
- Perfectionism
- Religion
- Losing control
- Sexual thoughts
Some of the common compulsions are:
- Constant checking
- Cleaning and washing
- Repetition of tasks or body movements
- Mental repetitions or reviews
Read More: The Most Common Stages Of Psychosis
What Is Psychosis?
Psychosis is a mental health disorder in which a person’s brain processes information in a way that permanently or temporarily mismatches and sometimes disconnects from reality.
Psychosis is not categorized under a separate category but can be a sign of a mental health condition such as injuries and some illnesses.
Psychosis is such a mental health disorder that it requires immediate medical attention after the manifestation.
The commonly experienced signs of psychosis include:
- Lack of concentration
- Low mood usually depressed
- Insomnia
- Hypersomnia
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Delusions
- Hallucinations
- Social Withdrawal
- Disorganized speech
- Suicidal ideation
Some signs of psychosis can be seen to overlap with other mental health conditions such as depressed mood, sleep changes, and anxiety. Therefore, it is best to always consult professional help.
Similar Signs Of OCD And Psychosis
Though OCD and psychosis are two different mental health disorders they share some overlapping signs that can appear. The common ones are:
Intrusive Thoughts:
Both people with OCD and psychosis may experience intrusive thoughts. In OCD, these thoughts are so distressing that they lead to certain compulsions to overcome that anxiety.
Anxiety And Distress:
Both mental health conditions can have a noticeable impact on mental well-being leading to anxiety and emotional distress. In OCD, the distress occurs due to obsessions and compulsions required to end that discomfort. In psychosis, the anxiety is provoked due to the fear and confusion caused due to hallucinations and delusions.
Effects On Daily Functioning:
Both mental health disorders can lead to severe disruption in an individual’s ability to function in everyday life by affecting the major areas of life such as academically, socially, and work.
The Common Difference Between OCD And Psychosis
OCD is considered a mental health condition. In contrast, psychosis is not. Moreover, someone suffering from OCD can experience signs of psychosis, but this does not mean that psychotic disorder is characterized by OCD. Understanding this distinction is essential in attaining the right mental health treatment.
Wrong Diagnosis Of OCD With Psychosis
The most common mistake some professionals make is misdiagnosing OCD as a psychotic disorder.
In a recent study, a woman suffered from a 1-year history of signs including social withdrawal, talking to herself, and feelings of suspiciousness. She strongly possessed delusions about her companions, despite the fact people were telling her the opposite.
As per the signs she showed her perception of reality was distorted due to which the doctors diagnosed her as psychosis.
But before being hospitalized, it was clear that her signs of psychosis were assisted by OCD signs, including repeating thoughts (obsessions) and certain behaviors (compulsions).
Recognizing the obsessive thought patterns and compulsive behaviors eventually helped the doctors to develop a correct diagnosis.
Read More: What Is Psychosis?
What Are The Best Treatment Options For OCD And Psychosis?
There are several treatment options for overcoming the signs of OCD, Including psychotherapy and psychiatric medications.
Patients with OCD are required to work with a mental health therapist and try different types of mental health strategies to find out the best and most effective treatment plan for them based on the signs and severity they show.
As per the International OCD Foundation, a rough ratio of 7 out of 10 people with OCD gain benefits from cognitive behavioral therapy known as exposure response prevention (ERP).
The majority of people can also attain benefits from psychiatric medication along with the therapy. Moreover, support groups have also been a great mental health treatment for relieving the signs of the same condition.
Aside from psychiatric medication and psychotherapy, you can also take some simple but effective steps to prevent the signs of OCD and psychosis from coming.
If you are suffering from OCD, you can adopt some self-care techniques at your own pace and by sitting in the comfort of your home. These steps will help you manage the associated stress and anxiety with the signs of OCD and Psychosis.
Mindfulness:
Due to the commonness of intrusive thoughts in OCD, practicing mindfulness can help you work on your thinking patterns and ways to rethink them healthily.
Journaling:
Some people may benefit from writing. Writing unwanted or intrusive thoughts and the certain compulsions associated with such obsessions can also help in reducing the negative impacts of OCD.
Self-talk:
Positivity can do wonders in a person’s life. Similarly, positive self-talk such as affirmations can help an affected person to change obsessive inner thoughts so a person is kinder and more compassionate to themself.
Sleep:
A consistent sleep routine and peaceful sleep are the keys to a healthy body and mind. Therefore, a peaceful sleep environment can help reduce the signs of psychosis.
Exercise:
Some research indicates that regular exercise can aid in experiencing reduced signs of psychosis in people with OCD.
Read More: Is insomnia a mental illness? Know the top facts!
Recap!
OCD and psychosis are two different mental disorders but share some characteristics such as intrusive thoughts and anxiety and therefore are not treated in the same way. OCD, which is often a misdiagnosed disease, is distinguished from obsessions and compulsions, and psychosis means a person’s detachment from reality. Diagnosis is an important key to determining the most effective treatment program, which can include ERP, psychiatric medications, as well as daily self-care such as meditation, and writing. Being aware of these differences is useful in delivering more comprehensive care to those people who go through such difficulties.
So, if you or any of your loved ones is suffering from OCD or Psychosis or even both then it’s the best time for you to get mental help from top mental health professionals. You can reach out to one of the leading mental health platforms Solid Foundation Psychiatry and attain the goodness of high-quality mental healthcare for OCD and psychosis.