Mild OCD is a lesser-known form of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Despite experiencing obsessions and compulsions, some individuals lead seemingly ordinary lives. They succeed professionally and socially, yet they suffer in silence. Sometimes referred to as “invisible OCD,” this condition can cause significant distress, even though it often goes unnoticed. Recognizing high-functioning OCD can help encourage affected individuals to seek appropriate support.
What Does High-Functioning OCD Look Like?
High-functioning OCD is often referred to by those who experience it under other terms: functional OCD or high-functioning OCD. When someone is affected by this form of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, they may still manage to carry out various everyday responsibilities:
- Their work
- Their social relationships
- Their family obligations
Contrary to the commonly portrayed image of debilitating OCD, individuals with this type of OCD may appear outwardly normal. They can even thrive in various aspects of life. However, this facade hides an intense internal struggle with intrusive and distressing thoughts and a pressing need to perform repetitive actions.
The behaviors of people with high-functioning OCD can vary widely, but they are all driven by the need to reduce anxiety.
These individuals may develop discreet rituals, such as counting, silently praying, or mentally replaying events, to ensure they haven’t made a mistake or caused harm. They may also engage in compulsive behaviors subtly integrated into their routine, such as washing their hands more frequently than necessary without it seeming excessive, checking things multiple times before leaving a place, or organizing their belongings in a particular way.
A key characteristic is that these behaviors are often hidden from others out of fear of judgment or a desire to appear normal. For example, someone with a fear of contamination may discreetly avoid certain situations or have unseen cleaning rituals at home.
What Are the Symptoms?
The symptoms of functional OCD include obsessions — recurrent and persistent thoughts or images that cause significant anxiety or distress. These obsessions can revolve around various themes, including:
- Fear of contamination
- Fear of losing control and committing impulsive acts, such as harming someone or stealing
- Unwanted sexual thoughts
- Excessive religious concerns
- Fear of causing harm to others or a need for extreme perfectionism
In response to these obsessions and to reduce the anxiety they cause, the person may develop compulsions — repetitive behaviors or mental acts. These compulsions may include:
- Excessive washing and cleaning
- Mental compulsions such as counting or repeating phrases
- Repeated checking behaviors, such as making sure the door is locked or the stove is turned off
- Repeating actions
In individuals with high-functioning OCD, these compulsions are often adapted to remain hidden and to avoid interfering with daily life, even though they consume a great deal of time and mental energy. Despite their ability to function, these individuals live in constant battle with their symptoms, which can affect their overall well-being and quality of life.
How to Get Diagnosed?
High-functioning OCD is not an official diagnosis, but it refers to individuals who, despite having OCD, manage to maintain an everyday life. For an official OCD diagnosis in Canada, consult one of the following professionals:
- A family doctor
- A psychiatrist
- A psychologist
The diagnosis is based on a clinical evaluation of symptoms (obsessions and/or compulsions) by a professional, according to DSM-5 criteria. Tools such as the Y-BOCS scale can help assess severity, but they are reserved for healthcare professionals and are not sufficient on their own for a diagnosis. An OCD diagnosis is based on the interview, the assessment of symptoms, and their impact on daily life.
How Can Neurofeedback Help?
Neurofeedback can be a valuable support for individuals with high-functioning OCD. This method targets the brain regions involved in the disorder:
- It can train the prefrontal lobes, responsible for judgment, helping the person better recognize the inappropriateness of obsessive behaviors.
- It also acts on the cingulate gyrus, whose hyperactivity is associated with mental rigidity and difficulty disengaging from intrusive thoughts. By modulating its activity, Neurofeedback can promote greater cognitive flexibility, thereby making it easier to let go of obsessions,
- Since anxiety is a key factor in OCD, Neurofeedback can also focus on the anxiety network to reduce its hyperactivity.
By influencing these different brain areas, Neurofeedback can reduce compulsive behaviors, improve judgment, lower anxiety, and enhance overall well-being, as explained on this page.