History of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

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History of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

The International OCD Foundation notes that OCD is a mental health disorder that affects individuals of all ages, all types of life and transpires when an individual gets caught into a cycle of obsessions and compulsions.

OCD is widely known in the modern world as a disorder that includes obsessions and compulsions. However, past research influenced the way that we view OCD and other OCD related disorders including anxiety, fear and worry. Some contributors and themes in the advancement and overall development of OCD include:

14th-18th century recognized OCD themes within scrupulosity related to religious beliefs and were less focused on within medical literature. It was also widely accepted that members in the community might have access to their religious leaders rather than their physicians.

Jean Charlier de Gerson was a French scholar, educator, reformer, and Chancellor of the University of Paris warned on the negative effects of scrupulosity.

Johannes Nider was a German theologian who wrote about a life threatening sin of despair based on a nun who was in fear that her confessional was inadequate, later creating her belief she had committed a mortal sin, excessive fasts and eventually her death.

Antoninus of Florence was an Italian Dominican friar and Archbishop of Florence who described more about “scrupulous conscience” and documented reflections that “medicine or other physical remedies” might provide assistance with individuals trying to escape religious compulsions.

Saint Ignatius of Loyola was a Spanish Basque priest, theologian and founder of a religious order who wrote about “devout people” needing to please God and “if unable… they may perform acts of penance” and if this “fails to allay their anxiety, then they will be tormented by doubts and preoccupied by rituals.”

Richard Baxter was a church leader, poet and theologian from Shropshire was noted for providing self-help guides in addressing scrupulosity.

John Locke was a philosopher and physician who drafted a letter about scrupulosity.

John Moore was a bishop of Norwich addressing “despite all their endeavors to strife and suppress them, the more they struggle with them, the more they increase.”

During the 1700’s and 1800’s physicians documented more about behaviors of washing, checking fear of disease, aggressive and sexual behaviors and fewer religious obsessions were described.

Modern concepts of OCD continued to evolve in the 19th century defining more about obsessions, delusions and compulsions.

In 1838 Jean Etienne Dominique Esquirol described OCD as a form of partial insanity and patients had one area of dysfunction (obsession/s and complusion/s) and were able to function within other areas of their lives. He also noted that patients had insight into symptomatology.

Henri Dagonet was a French psychiatrist who noted OCD as “the more one tries to discard an idea, the more it becomes imposed upon the mind, the more one tries to get rid of an emotion or tendency, the more energetic it becomes.”

Jean-Pierre Falret was a French psychiatrist who in 1850 wrote about the “madness of doubt” and was committed to driving change for the rights of his patients.

Sigmund Freud, most known as the founder of psychoanalysis, believed there was conflict between desires and actions of the conscious and unconscious mind (website, ocduk.org).

1950’s, rise of behavioral therapy noted similarities with phobias and OCD symptoms

Late 1960’s and 1970’s explored reducing compulsive rituals.
1980’s discovered connections with OCD and neurological problems (seizures, memory, tics and Tourette’s) (Fornaro et al, 2009).

Causes of OCD

The National Institute of Mental Health shares some risk factors associated with OCD as biology, genetics, temperament and childhood trauma.

Biology: OCD is a brain related disorder involving the front part of the brain and inner areas of the brain (orbito-frontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, caudate nucleus, amygdala nuclei, accumbens nucleus, cortical thalamic nuclei, white matter, and hippocampus).
Inherited/Genetics – Genes are likely to play a role in OCD based on past and current research. Research and connections with genetics are ongoing.
PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) can be diagnosed when children suddenly develop OCD symptoms after a streptococcal infection.
Temperament and childhood trauma can also be linked to causes of OCD.

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Signs and Symptoms of OCD

The National Institute for Mental Health reports that OCD is:

A life-long disorder where a person has unwanted or distressing thoughts that impact their act or decisions by completing repetitive behaviors.
Unwanted or distressing thoughts – called obsessions.
The completion of repetitive behaviors – called compulsions.
Usually compulsions assist in short-term or temporary relief from the distressing or unwanted thoughts.

Here Are 5 Evidenced Based Treatments Used With Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD):

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This type of psychotherapy is considered one of the most effective treatments for OCD. CBT helps identify and challenge the negative thought patterns and beliefs that fuel OCD behaviors, and gradually exposes the person to their fears in a safe and controlled environment. Progress City specializes in neurodivergent therapies, and we are eager to provide guidance along your mental health journey. For more Information, follow this link to our website or send us an email directly. Progress City Coaching and Counseling – [email protected]

2. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): This is a specific form of CBT that involves gradually exposing the person to situations that trigger their obsessions and compulsions, while teaching them skills to resist engaging in the compulsive behaviors. Over time, this helps reduce the anxiety and distress associated with the triggers.

3. Mindfulness and Meditation: Practicing mindfulness and meditation can help individuals with OCD become more aware of their thoughts and emotions, and develop the ability to observe them without judgment or getting caught up in the obsessive thought patterns. For more on this subject, check out our blog on Mindfulness and Movement.

4. Medication: In some cases, medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be prescribed to help manage the symptoms of OCD by regulating serotonin levels in the brain. Medication is often used in conjunction with therapy.

5. Support Groups: Joining a support group for individuals with OCD can provide a sense of community, understanding, and shared experiences. This can help reduce feelings of isolation and provide valuable coping strategies from others who understand the challenges of living with OCD.

It is important to note that everyone’s experience with OCD is unique, and a combination of these strategies, tailored to individual needs, often works best for effective management of OCD symptoms.

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