What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by persistent unwanted thoughts and rituals to prevent or relieve these thoughts that interfere with everyday life.
People who suffer from OCD use these rituals as temporary relief from the anxiety that these unwanted thoughts cause. As the condition progresses these rituals may become such a large part of the person's life that they can no longer hold down a job or perform regular daily responsibilities.
Many people who suffer from OCD feel deeply ashamed and hide their condition. This only adds to the anxiety and can make their conditions nearly unmanageable. There is an effective treatment for OCD although it can't be cured; it can be managed to the point where a person can live a normal and healthy life relatively free of anxiety and obsession. But prior to that- what causes OCD and how to know if you or someone has OCD disorder.
What Causes OCD?
No one knows what causes OCD. It is thought to run in families and tied to an imbalance in brain chemistry. People may exhibit symptoms of it early in life or develop it later in life. One-third of the people who suffer from OCD develop the condition as teenagers or younger. It affects just as many men as women and knows no racial or economic boundaries.
Symptoms of OCD- a Brief explanation
The most persistent OCD symptoms include-
- Thoughts of harming loved ones
- Sexual acts that are disturbing or prohibited by a person's religion, or thoughts that if the person doesn't perform their rituals something bad will happen to themselves or a loved one.
- Excessive hand washing is a common symptom as is excessive grooming.
- A person with OCD has a set ritual many times of getting dressed or leaving the house. He or she may count items, get dressed in a specific order or any other pattern that if not done correctly facilitates starting over.
- Hoarding is another symptom of OCD.
Some common OCD behavior includes counting and recounting the bills in the wallet, frequent hand washing, nail biting, double checking to see if the doors or windows are locked and frequent repositioning of objects.
Also, Anxiety and depression usually accompany OCD and in severe cases thought of suicide or suicide attempts may result.
Treatment for OCD
Cognitive therapy has shown to be very effective in treating OCD. In cognitive therapy, the counsellor helps teach new ways to think and react to situations that cause you anxiety. This can help you to break the cycle of anxiety and rituals so common with OCD.
Medications are also available that help to balance your brain's serotonin levels. The important thing to remember about these medications is not to stop them suddenly. A sudden drop in serotonin can lead to severe depression and anxiety.
You may never be completely rid of OCD, but with therapy and medication, you can start to live a life free of anxiety, persistent thoughts and the rituals that interfere with normal activities.
Want to learn more about OCD treatments? Check out the link.
If you need more information and insights about OCD treatment or have any queries, do send it to us at info@cadabamshospitals.com. Or visit us at Cadabam’s Hospitals. Alternatively, you can reach us on our 24/7 helpline number- +91 97414 76476.
