‘It felt like the only thing I could control’: People share their struggles with compulsive cleaning

The 2020 Covid lockdown also proved to be difficult for Gurpreet K Bhatia, a marketing and communication specialist, to manage her urge to clean things. “Things went awry then. Due to fear of infection, I took extreme measures like cleaning the same spot again and again, putting suction plates on my door to prevent dust and dirt from coming in, and designating a place to keep footwear.” Her habits even affected her relationship with her family and friends, she shared, adding that they got “agitated because of my compulsive behaviour.”

As such, what can people do in such situations? When does cleaning become compulsive, and needs to be addressed? Did Covid play a role, too? We reached out to experts to find out the answers to these questions.

What is compulsive cleaning?

Compulsive cleaning is one of the ways in which people respond to the unwanted repetitive thoughts in hopes of making them stop and relieve the building anxiety. (Source: Pixabay)

Explaining, Rohini Rajeev, Sr. Psychotherapist & Founder, The Able Mind said, “Often associated with a person’s intense fear of being contaminated by germs and disease-causing bacteria and viruses, compulsive cleaning is marked by an excessive urge to clean or engage in cleaning rituals. It is, sometimes, also seen as a symptom dimension of an underlying psychological condition called obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).”

She added that OCD causes individuals to experience upsetting intrusive thoughts and mental images that don’t go away easily, and “compulsive cleaning is one of the ways in which people respond to the unwanted repetitive thoughts in hopes of making them stop and relieve the building anxiety.” However, she was quick to point out that wanting to live in a clean environment and keeping everything spic and span “does not always mean that you are struggling with OCD.”

What are the causes and symptoms?

Stressing that the exact causes of compulsive cleaning are not well understood and may vary from person to person, Vishnu Priya Bhagirath, a counselling psychologist said that several factors, however, have been suggested to contribute to the development or maintenance of compulsive cleaning behaviour such as genetic and biological factors, environmental stressors like traumatic or stressful life events, learned behaviour and neurological functioning.

On similar lines, Dr Sameer Malhotra, Director and Head, Department of Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket said, “Such compulsive behaviours are linked with low levels of a particular neurochemical called ‘serotonin‘. At times, biological disturbances are noted in certain areas of the brain, such as the orbitofrontal cortex, the anterior cingulate cortex and the head of the caudate nucleus.”

Adding to this, Rohini said that compulsive cleaning can be a coping mechanism for anxiety or other issues that cause deep emotional distress as well as a way to gain control over uncomfortable situations or as an immediate self-esteem boost.

Compulsive cleaning can manifest in different ways and vary in severity, but some common signs and symptoms include:

*Intense and persistent urge to clean objects or spaces
*Spending excessive amount of time organising or rearranging items
*Feeling anxious if cleaning rituals are interrupted or not performed
*Engaging in repetitive cleaning behaviours
*Avoiding places or objects due to fear of germs
*Experiencing significant impairment or distress due to compulsive cleaning behaviours such as social isolation, relationship problems or difficulty completing tasks
*Facing physical symptoms like dry or cracked skin due to complications related to excessive cleaning

Has COVID-19 exacerbated compulsive cleaning behaviours?

The COVID-19 pandemic has likely impacted compulsive cleaning behaviour for many people as the fear of contamination and infection has heightened. (Source: Freepik)

Answering in the affirmative, Vishnu Priya said that the COVID-19 pandemic “has likely” impacted compulsive cleaning behaviour for many people as the fear of contamination and infection has heightened. “Additionally, some people who did not have this behavioral trait before the pandemic may have developed it as a result of increased focus on cleanliness and hygiene,” she added.

Stressing the need to follow precautions, maintain hygiene, wash hands and wear masks to minimise risk of infection, Dr Rishi Gautam, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, George Washington School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Washington, USA pointed out that the “threshold of where this starts to become a problem depends on the degree of distress a person experiences.”

How to overcome compulsive cleaning?

According to experts, there are several treatment methods and remedies available to manage compulsive cleaning behaviours, including:

*Cognitive behavioural therapy: CBT typically involves exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy, which entails exposing patients to their fears or triggers and helps them gradually confront and tolerate anxiety-provoking situations or objects without performing cleaning rituals.

*Medications: Certain medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can be effective in reducing symptoms

*Mindfulness-based therapy: Mindfulness-based approaches such as mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) or acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), can help individuals develop a more accepting and non-judgmental attitude toward their thoughts and feelings, which can help reduce the urge to engage in compulsive cleaning.

*Support groups: Joining a support group or talking to others who have experienced similar struggles can provide a sense of community and reduce feelings of isolation or shame.

*Relaxation methods: Practicing methods like progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing, or meditation regularly can help people manage their triggers and anxiety and lessen the desire to clean compulsively.

*Support groups: Becoming a member of a support group for OCD or compulsive cleaning can give people a feeling of belonging and support, as well as potentially useful coping mechanisms.

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