How to treat checking OCD at work?

What is verification OCD?

According to the Inserm definition, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by the presence of obsessions and/or compulsions. The person who suffers from it may be invaded by recurring and distressing thoughts (obsessions) centered for example on cleanliness, order, symmetry, the fear of making a mistake, of committing impulsive violent or aggressive acts, or even an excessive feeling of responsibility for the safety of others. To prevent or reduce their anxiety, the people concerned perform repeated gestures or mental acts (compulsions) such as tidying, washing or checking rituals. This is’a real illnesssometimes very disabling on a daily basis, which can even prevent you from having a normal social or professional life.

Verification TOC Examples

• Check that a door or window is properly closed
• Check that you have not made an error in a file
• Make sure a light is off
• Ensure that equipment is secure
• Make sure the tap is closed properly
• Make sure the cooking plate is turned off…

This results in a significant waste of time and energy

Verification OCD can have a significant impact on professional life, affecting productivity and well-being of somebody. “This anxiety disorder results in obsessive thoughts recurring pushing a person to carry out excessive checks on a task, even when the latter has already been solved“, specifies Rodolphe Oppenheimer, psychoanalyst and psychotherapist. In the context of work, it can be particularly disabling, interfering with daily tasks and generating high levels of stress.”. And catchy a significant waste of time and energy.

Concretely, this can manifest itself in several ways:

► If verification OCD involves the fear of making mistakes, a person may spend excessive time checking and rechecking documents, reports, or emails before submitting them. That significantly extends task completion time.

► Obsessions with constant checking can make it difficult concentration on professional tasks.

► An individual with checking OCD may feel the need to frequently check specific elements in their work environment, such as closing windows, turning off lights, or safety of equipment.

► Compulsive behaviors can lead to social isolation at work, because the person may avoid interactions with colleagues to devote themselves to their checking rituals.

What is the cause ?

The causes of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) are not fully understood. According to Inserm, studies carried out on families of patients suffering from OCD have however shown the influence of genetic factors in the emergence of the disease, even if their role remains poorly defined. The hereditary character is globally estimated at 27-49%, and this figure rises to 65% in people whose symptoms appear during childhood or adolescence. Several genes appear to be involved, linked to the serotonergic, glutamatergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission systems. More recently, genetic data has added cholinergic systems to the list, as well as those involving endogenous opioids, GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) or substance P.

What are the solutions to get rid of it?

Treating checking OCD, including at work, may involve a multifaceted approach. Overcoming checking OCD at work takes perseverance and often professional help. By adopting specific strategies and developing an in-depth understanding of the disorder, it is possible to return to a fulfilling professional life:

► Awareness is the first step. “Recognizing that the behavior is excessive and harmful is crucial. It can be helpful to keep a journal to note times of excessive checking to better perceive thought patterns“.

► Consult a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, can provide essential support. “THE cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBT) have been shown to be effective in treating the disorder in question and can be adapted specifically to the professional context“.

► Establish boundaries. “Setting time limits for each task and sticking to them can help prevent OCD. Using visual reminders or timers can be an effective way to signal the completion of a task without succumbing to the temptation to continually check“.

► Prioritize tasks based on their importance, which can help focus energy on what is actually needed. Avoiding getting lost in minor details can reduce the incidence of checking OCD.

► Relaxation techniquesas deep breathing, meditation or yoga, can help reduce the anxiety associated with OCD. These practices can be implemented during breaks at work to promote a calm state of mind.

►Share your challenges with trusted colleagues or a superior can help create an understanding work environment and play a key role in managing OCD at work.

Thanks to Rodolphe Oppenheimer, psychotherapist, psychoanalyst and CBT teacher in Clichy (92), author of several works including the latest, “Healing your anxieties with telephone therapy”, published by Editions Odile Jacob (www.psy-92.net) .