by High-functioning OCD may manifest as perfectionism or excessive worry about mistakes.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder it is a complicated condition. It is a multifaceted disorder that may arise due to life events (interpersonal trauma, neglect, emotional abuse, etc.), brain structure abnormalities or even genetics.
Nicole Erkfitz, therapist and executive director of AMFM Healthcaresaid HuffPost that “OCD is an often misunderstood mental health condition, marked by persistent, distressing thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive (compulsive) behaviours”.
Although these thoughts and behaviors are known to interfere with an individual’s daily routine, job performance or relationships, this is not the case for those with High functioning OCD. Those with this form of the condition may appear driven and high achievers; in other words, they may not even seem to be dealing with OCD at all.
“Despite their attention to obsessive thoughts, images or fears, these people 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 express how much their condition interferes with their daily lives.” It is not recognized as a specific clinical diagnosis, but as a personal confession of his 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 key criteria as OCD.
The hallmark characteristics 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 is likely to try to suppress the thoughts by engaging in compulsive behaviour. (The most common example here is being overly concerned about germs, so a person will wash 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 cause physical or emotional harm to the sufferer, and are likely to interfere with daily life.
High performance OCD can manifest as the need to excel.
A person with high-functioning OCD has intrusive, repetitive and obsessive thoughts. Their thoughts may manifest as a fear of failure, resulting in their compulsions to excel, overwork and overreach to be seen as trustworthy and competent.
“These people face the same challenges as others with the disorder, but they maintain their roles and responsibilities at work and at home, despite their internal battles,” Erkfitz explained.
It is common for individuals with high-functioning OCD to excel in certain aspects of their lives but continue to struggle internally with obsessive thoughts and compulsions.
Perfectionism and excessive worry are also issues.
People with high-functioning OCD may appear to be perfectionists or high-strung, but if these traits turn into obsessions or obsessive thoughts, they may be a sign on something deeper.
Likewise, here are some other ways that high-functioning OCD can show, according to the two experts:
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Having an obsession with micromanaging situations
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Excessive worry that something bad might happen
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Smart and very functional but suffering in silence
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Compulsions and obsessions that do not interfere with functioning and are not intense
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Attempt to control future and past outcomes
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perfection
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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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Check and recheck work compulsively
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Over analysis
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Take responsibilities to prevent mistakes
Those with high-functioning OCD often experience the symptoms.
“Individuals who are viewed as high performers may be viewed externally as excellent employees, well-educated parents, or gifted friends,” Erkfitz said. “Internally, however, they may be struggling with fear or failure, loss or abandonment.”
“Because their obsessions and compulsions are undetectable, unlike low-functioning OCD when the symptoms are debilitating, people with high-functioning OCD often dismiss or minimize the symptoms, or minimize them as part of their a personality where they believe they can manage themselves. ,” Nika explained.
High-functioning OCD is treated the same as other types of OCD.
“Common approaches include pharmacological interventions such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and therapeutic strategies such as exposure therapy, in which people gradually reveal their obsessive thoughts to reduce distress,” Erkfitz said.
Since OCD can be rooted in trauma, therapy often involves exploring the underlying needs that a compulsion serves. For example, some with high-functioning OCD may struggle with a core belief of inadequacy. Case in point: building self-worth and respect is critical to their treatment process.
“Anytime OCD interferes with a person’s ability to fully participate in life is a clear indicator that professional help 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 set of unusual habits or an obsession with perfection. “It’s a serious health condition that deserves attention and care,” Erkfitz said.
Professional support can make a significant difference in managing OCD symptoms, enabling people to live fuller and more fulfilling lives.
“For anyone struggling with OCD or related symptoms, remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness,” Erkfitz said. “Your primary care doctor can be your gateway to specialized treatment, which can greatly improve your quality of life.”
