Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by a pattern of unpleasant thoughts and anxieties, causing individuals to become engaged in repetitive actions. These compulsive thoughts and behaviors disrupt daily life and cause severe distress.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is known as a mental illness represented by any persistent condition of anxiety. It traps people in a constant cycle of repeated obsessions and compulsions.
-
OCD obsessions
Individuals having OCD obsessions have been observed with repetitive and distressing fears, along with worries that they are unable to control. Extreme anxiety is brought on by obsessive thoughts.
-
OCD compulsions
The sufferers of OCD use some of the following behaviors, rituals, and routines for managing their obsessions and anxiety, which are done on a repetitive basis. They don't enjoy and don't want to engage in these compulsive activities. The compulsions quickly recur in response to the obsessions.
OCD frequently revolves around specific themes involving obsessive fear. Even though OCD results in making the individual feel humiliated and embarrassed, there is the availability of effective treatments. To know more visit our psychology hospital in Salt Lake, Kolkata.
Who gets obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?
Every individual eventually develops obsessions and compulsions. Some of the individuals might occasionally double-check the stove or the locks, for instance. Some may simply prefer orderly things. However, OCD is more severe. Hours of a person's day may be consumed by it. It interferes with the daily lives and activities of the individuals.
OCD affects 1% of the population, making it a reasonable prevalent condition. It affects both sexes and people of all races and ethnic backgrounds. Typically, it begins in early adulthood or childhood for most individuals.
Causes of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD is not completely understood by scientists. Any individual is more likely to experience OCD if certain circumstances or events occur. Some of the causes are illustrated below:
-
Changes brought into someone’s living environment, such as moving to a different city, getting married, divorced, or starting a new school or job.
-
Individuals who have experienced the death of a loved one or other emotional trauma.
-
Any history of abuse
-
In the case of illness such as flu, the individual may initiate a cycle of obsessing regarding germs and washing compulsively.
-
Decrease in serotonin levels, which deteriorates the mental balance.
-
Over activity in the brain regions
-
Problems faced at the workplace and within an important relationship.
Symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessions and compulsions are the two major symptoms of OCD. Individuals living with OCD experience both the symptoms, while some of them suffer from only one of those symptoms.
Obsession symptoms
Some of the obsessions have themes involving:
-
Fear of contamination or dirt by touching any object.
-
Having doubts and finding it difficult to accept ambiguity
-
Requiring symmetry and order in everything,
-
Ideas that are violent and horrifying about losing control and hurting oneself or others.
-
Unwanted ideas among those who are hostile and deal with sexual and religious issues
-
When things are not in order or facing the appropriate way, it causes more stress.
-
Avoiding circumstances that can set off obsessions, such as shaking hands
Compulsion symptoms
Compulsions are recurrent activities that an individual may feel compelled to carry out if they have OCD. These recurrent actions, whether physical or mental, are intended to ease tension brought on by the obsessions or exert negative outcomes. Compulsions also have themes such as:
-
Hand washing and cleaning until the skin becomes raw
-
Regular checking of doors to ensure they are locked
-
Counting in certain patterns
-
Repeating a prayer or words silently
-
Orderliness
-
Following a strict routine
-
Demanding reassurance
-
Arranging canned goods so that they all face the same direction
Visit Manipal Hospitals and consult with our psychologist in Salt Lake, Kolkata if you are experiencing these symptoms.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Healthcare professionals understand the specific condition of OCD. The following are some of the diagnostic approaches followed for OCD:
-
Monitoring for the presence of obsessions, compulsions, and both
-
Obsessions and compulsions may be time-consuming, causing distress and impairment in social, occupational life.
-
Symptoms of OCD that have not developed from some substance or medication
-
OCD symptoms that cannot be explained by major health issues
Other diseases such as depression and anxiety show similarities with OCD symptoms and may tend to occur alongside OCD.
The appropriate treatment for individuals with OCD entirely depends upon the individual’s symptoms and the way they affect their lives. Some of the most effective treatments for OCD involve:
-
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that involves physical examination as well as understanding the patients' thoughts and emotions.It helps in stopping negative habits and replacing them with healthier ones.
-
Medications
It involves the use of drugs such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs), selective SRIs (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants, which help in increasing serotonin levels.
-
Exposure and response prevention
It helps in preventing the individual from experiencing the symptoms of compulsion.
Prevention from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD cannot be prevented. But its early diagnosis and treatment helps in reducing its symptoms and the impact it causes on daily activities.
Consultant - Psychology
Manipal Hospitals, Salt Lake, Kolkata
