Obsessive-compulsive disorder

 Summary

Obsessive thoughts and fears are characteristic features of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).OCD can have a profound impact on a person's life. Psychological therapy, self-help techniques, and medication can help people recover from OCD. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder that affects 2-3 per cent of the population (more than 500,000 Australians). It usually starts in late childhood or early adolescence. People with OCD have recurrent and persistent thoughts, images, or urges (obsessions) that are disturbing and unwanted. They also engage in excessive, time-consuming, and distressing repetitive activities and rituals (compulsions). People with OCD are usually aware of their obsessions and compulsions' irrational and extreme nature. However, they feel that they cannot control or manage their addictions.

 Symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder - Obsessions

Obsessions are usually exaggerated versions of most people's worries and fears at any given time. Common obsessions include.

Fear of contamination with germs, dirt, toxins, and other substances from nature and the environment

Fear of harm from illness, accident, or death that may happen to oneself or others. This anxiety can manifest itself as an excessive sense of responsibility to avoid such harm.

Disturbing thoughts and images about sex, violence, accidents, and other things.

Excessive preoccupation with symmetry, accuracy, and order.

Excessive preoccupation with illness, religious issues, or morality.

A need to know and remember.

 

Obsessions can constantly be present in a person's mind. Physical objects can also trigger them, situations, odors, or something heard on television, radio, or in a conversation. Obsessive-compulsive fears often go beyond a specific trigger - for example, a coolant bottle - to include anything that looks like or is near it, such as cars, car keys, a hole in the road, supermarket shelves, and petrol pumps.

 

Obsessions can vary in nature and intensity and do not respond to reason. Obsessive-compulsive anxiety leads to alertness to potential threats and a strong need for reassurance and control. Obsessions can cause feelings ranging from discomfort and fear to acute stress, disgust, and panic.

 

Symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder - compulsions

Compulsions can be behavioral (actions) or mental (thoughts). Compulsions are repetitive actions, usually performed in a particular order or according to specific rules. Compulsions are often used to prevent the occurrence of compulsive fear, to reduce anxiety caused by intrusive thoughts, or to make things "perfect."

 

The most common compulsions are

 

Excessive hand washing, showering, and tooth brushing

Excessive cleaning and washing of the house, household items, food, car, and other objects

Extreme control of locks, electrical and gas appliances, and other safety-related items

Repetition routine activities and actions such as reading, writing, walking, picking up objects, or opening doors.

We apply strict rules and patterns when placing objects, furniture, books, clothes, and other items.

It is touching, tapping, or moving a certain way or several times.

I am constantly asking questions or seeking approval.

I mentally repeated words or numbers with a specific frequency or focused on "good" or "safe" numbers.

Replacing a "good thought" with a "bad thought."

Compulsions are ritualistic, follow specific rules and patterns, and involve constant repetition. Compulsions provide a deceptive feeling of short-term stress relief. However, they increase anxiety and make the compulsions more natural, so the fear quickly returns.

Obsessive-compulsive disorders can have a profound impact on a person's life.

Compulsions and intrusive thoughts can last hours a day and interfere with family and social relationships. It can also have adverse effects on education and employment.

 

As OCD worsens, "avoidance" can become an increasing problem. The patient may avoid anything that may cause OCD-related anxiety. OCD can make it challenging to carry out daily activities such as eating, drinking, shopping, or reading. Some patients may be homebound. OCD is often made worse by depression and other anxiety disorders such as social anxiety, panic disorder, and separation anxiety.

 

People with OCD are often aware of their symptoms and try to hide them. Before the disorder is recognized and treated, the family may become too involved in the patient's rituals, which can be very upsetting and distressing for family members.

 

Causes of obsessive-compulsive disorder

The causes of obsessive-compulsive disorder are not fully understood. There are various theories about the causes of obsessive-compulsive disorder, such as :

Compulsions are learned behaviors that are repeated and habitual when associated with stress relief.

 

Genetic and hereditary factors cause OCD.

They are caused by chemical, structural and functional abnormalities in the brain.

Distorted beliefs reinforce and support the symptoms associated with OCD.

The development of OCD may result from the interaction of various factors. Stressful life events, hormonal changes, and personality traits may also play a role in the underlying causes.

 

Treatment of the obsessive-compulsive disorder

Treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder may include

Psychological treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy.

-Anxiety management techniques.

-Support groups and educational activities

-Psychological medication treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy can improve symptoms, and this improvement is often long-lasting.

 

Cognitive behavioral therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy aims to change thought patterns, beliefs, and behaviors that can cause anxiety and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. This therapy uses education to promote symptom control. Instruction includes information to help dispel myths about the causes of OCD.

 

Part of the treatment involves gradually exposing the person to situations that trigger their obsessions while at the same time helping them to reduce their compulsive and avoidant behavior. The process is gradual and usually starts with less frightening situations. Exposure and avoidant compulsive tasks are repeated daily and continuously until the fear is reduced. Over time this leads to the individual regaining confidence in their ability to cope and function even in the presence of anxiety. This process is called exposure and response prevention (ERP).

 

A competent and qualified psychologist should conduct cognitive behavioral therapy. Excessive alcohol, drugs, and certain medications may prevent this type of therapy from being successful.

Stress management techniques for OCD

Anxiety management techniques can help a person manage their symptoms. These techniques include relaxation training, slow breathing, mindfulness meditation, and hyperventilation control. These techniques require regular practice and are most effective when combined with a treatment program that includes cognitive behavioral therapy.

 

OCD education and support groups.

Support groups allow people with OCD and their families to come together in a relaxed and safe environment to offer and receive support. Groups also provide an opportunity to learn more about the disorder and build social networks.

 

Medication for OCD

Some medications, especially antidepressants that act on the serotonergic system, have reduced OCD symptoms. A doctor should only prescribe these medicines.

 

Side effects of antidepressants include nausea, headache, dry mouth, blurred vision, dizziness, and fatigue. These usually disappear after the first few weeks of treatment. If side effects are severe or persist for a long time, discuss them with your doctor.

 

It usually takes several weeks for the medicine to take effect. If you reduce or stop taking medication, the dose should be decreased slowly under the supervision of your doctor.

 

Studies have shown that children with rheumatic fever who develop Sydenham's chorea have an increased risk of developing OCD, so early antibiotic treatment may reduce the risk of developing OCD in the future.

 

Inpatient treatment for OCD

For some people, especially if symptoms are severe, assessment and treatment in a hospital setting may be appropriate. The hospital stay can last from a few days to several weeks.

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Self-help tips for people with OCD

 

In addition to treatment, there are many ways to help yourself. Here are a few suggestions:

Focus your attention (for example, engage in a sport or video game). It will be a positive step if you can postpone the urge to perform the compulsive behavior.

Write down your compulsive thoughts or fears. It will help you identify the repetitive nature of the compulsion.

To alleviate food cravings, anticipate them in advance. For example, if you obsessively check whether the door is closed, try closing it more carefully the first time. If the urge to check later arises, it will be easier to label it as 'habitual, compulsive thinking.

Take time each day to experiment. Instead of trying to suppress compulsive thoughts or compulsions, set aside an hour for obsessive thoughts and make the rest of the day free of obsessive thoughts and compulsions. If thoughts or desires come to you during the day, write them down and put them aside for later - put them aside for later and get on with your work.

Take care of yourself. Anxiety is not the cause of OCD but can trigger or worsen compulsive behavior. Try practicing relaxation techniques (such as meditation or deep breathing) for at least 30 minutes daily.

 

 Reference

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