Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) affects men just as often as women, but it may present in ways that can be harder to recognise. OCD is not just about being overly tidy or meticulous; it involves a pattern of unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours (compulsions) performed in response to those thoughts. These behaviours are meant to reduce anxiety, but they provide only temporary relief and often make daily life more difficult.
For men, OCD can present differently than expected, and being aware of these patterns is crucial to identifying the disorder early and seeking appropriate treatment.
How OCD Presents in Men
OCD can manifest in various ways, but men are more likely to experience certain types of obsessions and compulsions. These may include:
Harm OCD: Men might experience intrusive thoughts about accidentally or intentionally harming others, even though they would never act on these thoughts. This can lead to checking behaviours, like repeatedly making sure doors are locked or that appliances are switched off.
Responsibility and guilt: Men often feel an overwhelming sense of responsibility and fear of making mistakes that could have serious consequences, leading to compulsions such as excessive double-checking of work, emails, or financial decisions.
Symmetry and order: Many men with OCD may be preoccupied with making sure objects are perfectly aligned or arranged in a specific way. They may spend excessive amounts of time organising and reorganising items, which can interfere with their day-to-day life.
Contamination fears: While this is often associated with handwashing or cleanliness rituals, contamination OCD can also involve fear of emotional contamination—such as avoiding people or places that are believed to have “bad” influences.
Recognising the Symptoms
The key to identifying OCD is to look for patterns of obsessions and compulsions that go beyond occasional worries or habits. Some common signs of OCD in men include:
Time-consuming rituals: If repetitive behaviours take up a significant portion of time (more than an hour per day) and interfere with work, social life, or personal interests, it could be a sign of OCD.
Extreme discomfort if routines are disrupted: OCD-related compulsions are usually performed to ease anxiety. If a routine is interrupted or a ritual cannot be completed, the anxiety can feel unbearable, leading to more rigid and time-consuming behaviours.
Obsessive thoughts: Persistent, unwanted thoughts that cause distress or discomfort, such as fears of causing harm, contamination, or moral wrongdoing, can indicate the presence of OCD, especially if these thoughts are difficult to dismiss.
How Therapy Can Help
The good news is that OCD is treatable, and with the right interventions, men can gain control over their symptoms. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), particularly a form called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), is highly effective for OCD.
ERP helps individuals confront their fears or obsessions without engaging in the compulsive behaviours. Over time, the anxiety diminishes, and the need for compulsions decreases, allowing men to reclaim control of their lives.
Medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), is often recommended alongside therapy. These medications can help reduce the intensity of obsessions and compulsions, making it easier for men to engage in therapy and daily activities.
Self-awareness and lifestyle changes: In addition to therapy, being mindful of triggers and stressors that exacerbate OCD can be useful. Learning techniques to manage anxiety, practising relaxation exercises, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle can all contribute to better symptom management.
Takeaway
Recognising OCD early is key to preventing it from escalating. If you or someone you know is experiencing repetitive behaviours or intrusive thoughts that cause significant anxiety or take up too much time, it may be time to explore the possibility of OCD. With effective therapy like CBT and medications, men can learn to manage OCD and lead a more fulfilling life.
OCD is not something to ignore, but it is something that can be overcome with the right support and treatment. The sooner it’s identified, the better the outcomes.
At Man Confidence we have therapists who can support you with conditions such as OCD. You can see our therapists page here.
