Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that makes those suffering from it experience intermittent intolerable ideas, thoughts, or sensations known as obsessions. The disorder also drives them to engage in repetitive activities, known as compulsions. Some of the acts they tend to participate in repeatedly are cleaning, checking on things, and hand washing. These behaviors have a significant impact on the individual's daily schedule and social well-being with others.
Someone who is suffering from OCD tends to have rigid behaviors and ideas that are persistent. If
the person fails to engage in the behavior, fear and distress haunt them, forcing them to carry out
the compulsive activity. Some OCD individuals understand that their obsessions are not
reasonable, while others take it as a real obsession.
Despite the fact they believe their obsession is not accurate, individuals with OCD find it hard to
free themselves from obsessive thoughts or end the compulsive actions. Doctors and other medical
research institutes have not discovered the primary cause of this disorder. However, according to
research findings, several factors play a significant role in developing OCD, including:
• Serotonin chemical messenger - Low levels of this neurotransmitter are believed to play a role in
the condition.
• Genetics - If a parent has OCD, it's more likely that their children will too.
Symptoms
People with obsessive-compulsive disorder typically experience both compulsions and obsessions.
However, it is possible to only suffer from one or the other. Some individuals may realize their
obsessions and compulsions are extreme and unrealistic. Having these symptoms can temper your
life aspects like school, interpersonal relations, and work.
Obsession Symptoms
An individual under obsession faces frequent and persistent impulses, thoughts, or even images
that lead to anxiety or disgust. Individuals suffering from OCD at times try to get rid of the
distress of obsession with compulsion. They ease themselves by engaging in other activities that
will keep them busy. Below are examples of obsessions signs and symptoms:
• Fear of getting in contact with dirt or contamination.
• Always wanting things to be in a systematic and orderly manner
• Being uncertain in everything you do
• Experiencing some horrific thoughts
• Intolerable ideas around aggression, sexual and religious subjects.
Compulsion Symptoms
OCD compulsions are repetitive physical or mental activities that the sufferer feels compelled to
complete. The repetitive behaviors help abate obsession-related anxiety, thereby preventing
anything wrong from occurring for a short period, but it's not permanent relief. Let's go through
some of the signs of compulsions.
• Repetition of a word or even phrases
• Counting things in unique patterns
• Excessive washing of the hands
• Frequently checking if the stove has been turned off
Typical Treatment Options
Medication, psychotherapy, or the combination of the two are the most common ways of treating OCD, with most patients responding positively. Below are some of the ways that have been proven
to treat OCD.
Medication
The frequency and severity of symptoms can be reduced when selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitors (SSRIs) are prescribed. A patient must take daily doses, and the impacts will typically
show after 8-12 weeks, although some may experience improvement earlier. If the symptoms
don't improve, the patient can try various psychotherapy treatments. If you start medication, you
must abide by the following:
• Please consult your doctor and let them explain the benefits and side effects of the medication.
• Inform your doctor before you decide to stop with the medication; stopping may worsen the
situation.
• Whenever you experience any side effects, let your doctor know immediately.
Psychotherapy
This kind of therapy is efficient in helping individuals suffering from OCD. According to the
research, several types of psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy, can match medication
standards when treating individuals.
