Complex PTSD and OCD

The Complex Trauma and Obsessive Compulsive Connection

You may already know that Complex PTSD, or C-PTSD, is a trauma disorder that stems from complex trauma. While a singular traumatic event can cause Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Complex PTSD is caused by ongoing, repeated, or prolonged trauma.

And it is now well known that trauma is a risk factor for multiple mental health conditions, including Complex PTSD and OCD, PTSD, depression, borderline personality disorder, and anxiety disorders.

But what about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Facing persistent trauma can change the brain, but so can healing from it. Today, let’s explore the link between complex trauma and OCD and how our clinicians at Catalina Behavioral Health use evidence based practices to treat C-PTSD and OCD comprehensively.

Are Complex PTSD and OCD Linked?

You aren’t the only one wondering whether the signs of Complex PTSD and OCD are linked. Researchers have looked into it, too. What they found is that the answer is “Yes.” OCD and C-PTSD can be connected. Here’s what we know:

• Traumatic events are a significant known risk factor for developing OCD. There is a 30-82% prevalence of OCD in trauma survivors, which is significantly higher than that of the general population.
• Co-occurring C-PTSD and OCD can lead to worsened OCD symptoms.
• Similarly, people with OCD who have past trauma may experience greater functional impairment, meaning that their daily lives are more intensely affected by OCD symptoms.

Detecting OCD is vital because it means that individuals can get the correct treatment. Some symptoms of OCD overlap with other mental disorders. If someone who has OCD doesn’t get diagnosed, they likely will not get the correct treatment.

The Intersection of OCD Symptoms and Trauma

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by ongoing patterns of obsessions and compulsive behaviors, which can include mental rituals or compulsions as well as physical ones. There are various subtypes of OCD, which might impact the specific symptoms a person experiences.

The connection between C-PTSD and OCD can lie in a pattern of intrusive thoughts followed by behavioral attempts to mitigate distress. For example, people with C-PTSD could have experienced profound abuse, which can connect with many of the “thought loops” and rumination seen in OCD.

Compulsive Behaviors and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Some compulsions, like checking behaviors, could be to curb the distress caused by intrusive thoughts, rumination, or thought loops. Many people with C-PTSD have fears like, “What if they’re mad at me? What if I did something wrong? What if I could’ve done something to cause my trauma?”

You can likely see how this can cause severe distress. Many people with C-PTSD experience negative thoughts and beliefs about themselves, others, or the world. It can be hard to trust yourself or others with C-PTSD.

With this in mind, OCD symptoms make sense as a natural response to trauma. The OCD Trauma Timeline Interview can help distinguish whether OCD symptoms and trauma are related, which may help with treatment.

Treating Complex PTSD and OCD Symptoms: The Value of an Integrated Approach 

With treatment, people with OCD and C-PTSD can overcome or substantially reduce symptoms. Therapy is often used to treat both OCD and PTSD. However, the types of therapies and treatments that best address OCD and Complex PTSD symptoms can differ.

It’s because of this that people with OCD and C-PTSD typically need an integrated approach to treatment.

Common treatments used for individuals with OCD and PTSD include:

• ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention). ERP is the gold standard for OCD, but it can also be used for other conditions.
• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). EMDR therapy was developed to treat PTSD but can be used for other purposes. For example, eating disorders, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse.
• CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy). CPT works by helping you challenge and change negative beliefs related to trauma. The American Psychological Association highly recommends CPT for PTSD.
• TF-CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). TF-CBT was adapted from traditional CBT to support people who have experienced trauma.
• Medication Management. Many people with OCD benefit from medication in conjunction with therapy. People with PTSD may also benefit from medication at times.

One study on a combined treatment approach including both ERP and EMDR showed that it was more effective than ERP alone, with lower dropout rates. This is just one display of how vital addressing underlying trauma can be for those with past traumatic experiences.

One of the best ways to get integrated treatment is to attend an inpatient or outpatient program. Rather than engaging in once-weekly traditional therapy, you’ll gain access to multiple types of therapy that help you overcome obsessive thoughts and other symptoms.

Inpatient and Outpatient Programs for OCD and C-PTSD

The treatment programs at Catalina Behavioral Health use a whole-person approach. Every client at our treatment center gets an individualized treatment plan, which may include trauma-focused therapy and other treatments.

Treatment goals for people with C-PTSD and OCD at our clinic may include but aren’t limited to the following.

• Reducing or eliminating repetitive behaviors, like excessive hand washing or compulsive checking behaviors.
• Building and maintaining healthy relationships with others.
• Improving daily functioning and quality of life.
• Creating a toolkit of coping tools for triggers.
• Reducing obsessive thoughts and anxiety.

Catalina Behavioral Health offers both inpatient CPTSD treatment and outpatient treatment programs for those with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, C-PTSD, OCD, and other mental health conditions. When you contact us, we can help you discuss the right starting level of care for you.

Get Treatment for OCD and C-PTSD at Catalina Today

Persistent traumatic events like ongoing sexual abuse or domestic violence can have a prolonged effect on our health and daily lives. Trauma treatment is vital for those who have been through a traumatic event. If you’re ready for top-quality C-PTSD and OCD treatment, contact Catalina Behavioral Health today.

To contact Catalina Behavioral Health, please call our confidential admissions line. We are here to help you or your family members overcome complex trauma and its effects.

FAQs Regarding Complex PTSD and OCD

Is OCD a symptom of complex PTSD?

OCD and C-PTSD are two separate conditions with distinct diagnostic criteria. However, the likelihood of someone with C-PTSD or PTSD developing OCD is higher than it is in the general population.

In other words, while it may not be a symptom of Complex PTSD, OCD can be deeply connected to C-PTSD and trauma. Trauma-related OCD is very real and has been studied within the field of psychology.

Are PTSD and OCD anxiety disorders?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and OCD were once considered anxiety disorders. Now, OCD is listed under the category “obsessive-compulsive and related disorders” in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Similarly, PTSD currently falls under the category of trauma and stressor-related disorders.

References

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4346088/
2. https://www.mdpi.com/1648-9144/60/3/408#
3. https://www.researchgate.net/figure/OCT-Trauma-Timeline-Interview-OTTI-symptom-chart_tbl1_353425797#
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4346088/
5. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/essentials/history_ptsd.asp