OCD and How it Affects Athletes
What is OCD?
OCD, also known as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, is a long-term disorder in which an afflicted person experiences uncontrollable repetitive thoughts or urges, resulting in extreme anxiety. Quells for individuals suffering from OCD are executing certain thoughts or performing repetitive actions, such as hand washing, checking if the doors are locked, and seeking reassurance from others. However, the relief these actions provide is merely temporary. After a brief period, the compulsive thoughts return and the cycle repeats itself.
What are the Causes of OCD in People?
Typically, OCD begins in adolescents. However, it is also possible for it to appear in childhood or even adulthood. Some possible causes include:
Genetics
Chemical, Structural, and functional abnormalities in the brain.
Stressful Life Events
Hormonal Changes
Personality characteristics
How Does OCD Impact Athletes?
OCD can inflict damage on not just the athlete’s physical performance but their daily life as well. An athlete with OCD may be unable to concentrate on their physical activity and divert their attention to alleviating their anxiety instead.
Examples of how OCD can negatively impact athletes:
Fervently obsessing over perfecting a certain repetitive motion can stunt an athlete’s progression by rendering them unable to learn new skills.
Overtraining by repeating certain actions to alleviate anxiety can result in injuries hindering progression.
Intrusive thoughts can prevent an athlete with OCD from fully engaging in their sport.
Treatment for OCD:
While there is no proven cure for OCD, specialized treatment can help alleviate its symptoms. One of the most effective treatments is Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy(ERP), which belongs to the broader family of Cognitive Behavior Therapies (CBT). In ERP, a person with OCD is gradually exposed to scenarios that trigger their compulsive thoughts, allowing them to develop stress management techniques that can help fend them off. Antidepressants can also be prescribed by a medical professional along with ERP therapy, or as an independent form of treatment.
Conclusion:
OCD, a disorder that is taken lightly in a world full of dominating illnesses and diseases, still needs attention. In reality, it is not simply characterized by making your bed a certain way in the morning; it truly has an impact on your well-being. As we have discussed, there are many impacts on athletes but not just athletes alone; these downsides are seen throughout every individual suffering with the disorder. It is important to aid anyone you know that is diagnosed with OCD and hopefully you have a better understanding of what this disorder really is.
Sources
“A Guide to Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy | McLean Hospital.” Www.mcleanhospital.org, 8 June 2023, www.mcleanhospital.org/essential/erp.
Geller, Jamarie. “What Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?” American Psychiatric Association, Oct. 2022, www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/what-is-obsessive-compulsive-disorder.
“How OCD Interferes with Athletic Performance.” Anxiety in Athletes, anxietyinathletes.org/coach-team-staff/learn-more/how-ocd-interferes-with-athletic-performance/#:~:text=OCD%20can%20make%20it%20hard.
“How Could It Impact an Athlete? (OCD).” Anxiety in Athletes, anxietyinathletes.org/athletes/i-want-to-learn/ocd/how-could-it-impact-an-athlete/.
International OCD Foundation. “International OCD Foundation | How Is OCD Treated?” International OCD Foundation, 2010, iocdf.org/about-ocd/treatment/
Mayo Clinic. “Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) - Diagnosis and Treatment - Mayo Clinic.” Mayoclinic.org, Mayo Clinic, 21 Dec. 2023, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354438
National Institute of Mental Health . “Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.” National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Oct. 2019, www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd#:~:text=Obsessive%2DCompulsive%20Disorder%20(OCD).