Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by intrusive obsessive thoughts that lead to compulsive, ritualistic behaviors and routines. While it is possible to have only obsessive symptoms or only compulsive symptoms, they usually occur in conjunction. People with OCD experience disturbing, uncontrollable thoughts or fears about certain things (such as dirt, germs, or order) which then lead to compulsive behaviors performed as an attempt to relieve the worry or anxiety. Just being a “system freak” or afraid of germs does not necessarily equate to OCD – OCD is diagnosed by obsessions and compulsions that significantly interfere with daily life.
symptoms
Symptoms of OCD can be divided into obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are described as an “ego dysfunction,” meaning that even though the person experiencing them recognizes them as their own thoughts, they feel that the obsessions are beyond their control.
Obsessions that are symptoms of OCD include:
- Extreme anxiety and obsessive thoughts about pollution and germs
- Worrying about doing something bad by accident (for example, accidentally running over someone with a car)
- Worrying about forgetting something important (for example, forgetting to lock the door)
- The need to arrange things in a certain order (for example, arranging things symmetrically)
- Fear of social embarrassment that leads to oppression
- Repeating ideas or images
- Inability to control intrusive thoughts
When diagnosed with OCD, sufferers typically spend at least an hour a day dealing with compulsive thoughts or actions.
Compulsions are repetitive physical or mental actions that a person performs to reduce anxiety. Often, compulsions are designed to counteract or undo the obsession. Compulsive actions that indicate symptoms of OCD include:
- Excessive checking (for example, checking frequently to make sure the doors are locked or to make sure some sort of error has not occurred)
- Excessive counting
- Repeat prayer
OCD symptoms may increase or decrease in severity over a person’s lifetime, and are often more severe when a person is under stress.
Reasons
On average, one-third of adults who will develop the condition show signs of OCD as children and are later diagnosed at around age 19. More than 3 million Americans suffer from OCD each year, and OCD does not seem to affect one gender more than the other. Research has not yet provided direct, evidence-based causes of OCD. However, the following factors are noted as possible contributors to this disorder:
- Family history of obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Abnormal levels of serotonin in the brain
- Exposure to an extremely stressful or traumatic event
- depression
In order to qualify for a diagnosis of OCD, a person must have either obsessions or compulsions (or both) and these must interfere with their daily functioning. The person must also realize, to some extent, that the obsessions and/or compulsions are excessive or unreasonable.
treatment
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is treated Both treatment and medications. Many specialists recommend a combination of the two, and emphasize that the drug alone It may not be effective To treat the cause of the injury. Complement these methods with alternative therapies such as meditation, Mindfulness Training, or Yoga It may facilitate the recovery process.
to treat
Psychotherapy is often used to help treat OCD. Psychotherapy methods such as Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), involves helping an individual see the relationship between his thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Once this connection is understood, therapists will work with patients using a variety of techniques to change the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that underlie and perpetuate OCD.
One of the methods of psychotherapy, Exposure therapyIt is often used by experts when treating obsessive-compulsive disorder. In exposure therapy, patients are asked to confront the triggers of the seizures in order to help desensitize them. For example, a person who compulsively cleans may be asked to stand in a dirty room and resist the urge to tidy.
pharmaceutical
Anti-anxiety medications and antidepressants are commonly prescribed to treat OCD. All of the following types of medications can help reduce anxiety, but they do so in different ways and for different uses Side effects and risks.
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors SSRIs: An antidepressant medication frequently used for generalized anxiety disorder. SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), paroxetine (Paxil), and fluvoxamine (Luvox).
- Benzodiazepines: A sedative and anti-anxiety medication frequently used for generalized anxiety disorder. Benzodiazepines include diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), clonazepam (Klonopin), and alprazolam (Xanax).
- Other medications: There are several other medications sometimes prescribed for anxiety that are not SSRIs or benzodiazepines. These include gabapentin (Neurontin), quetiapine (Seroquel), and hydroxyzine (Atarax).
Consult your doctor if you think you have any of the symptoms associated with this disorder and discuss the benefits and risks of any medication or treatment.
