Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Introduction:
Few people love to take some
extra care of their goods and activities, concentrate more on hygiene, and
always make sure that whatever they are performing should be done ideally, for
which they cross-check it at least twice. They are obsessed with everything
that belongs to them and faces anxiety if things do not run as per their
designed norms. Hence these people go under depression or have to be diagnosed
with obsessive-compulsive disorder.
What is
OCD?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) develops unwanted thoughts and fears
in the mind that leads to repetitive behaviours. These unwanted thoughts or
repetitive behaviours are entitled as obsession or compulsion. This obsession
or compulsion impedes the daily routine and produces distress.
OCD not only leads to anxiety or obsession for goods or hygiene but
instead, people are also obsessively concerned with their sins and repeated
performance of religious devotion. Anti-anxiety medications are now available
in 3MEDs best healthcare service provider in India.
OCD mostly circles particular themes. For instance, fear of getting
contaminated by germs leads to the compulsive wash of hands till they are chafe
or rough.
What are
the Symptoms of OCD?
The
obsessive-compulsive disorder generally comprises both obsession and
compulsions. But the person suffering from OCD doesn't need to show the
symptoms of both the issues. Instead, symptoms of one can come into
consideration that may impede the daily activity in school, social, or
workplaces. The symptoms of obsession and compulsion differ from each other.
They are:
Obsession
Symptoms:
OCD
obsessions are associated with unwelcome thoughts or ideas that generate
anxiety or distress. Symptoms of obsessions are:
v Fear of
getting contaminated by germs.
v Doubts on
the activity performed.
v Anxiety
attacks if things do not work as a designed norm.
v Thought
of driving a car in a crowded area.
v Fear of
acting indecently or shouting obscenities in public.
v Intrusive
disgraceful sexual images
Compulsion
Symptoms:
OCD
compulsion is associated with repetitive behaviour that a person feels to
perform. This act of repetition is a mental act that reduces the anxiety caused
by the obsession. It can provide temporary relief. The symptoms are:
v Washing
hands repeatedly, fearing the intrusion by germs.
v Cross-check
of every activity to avoid incidents.
v Counting
in definite patterns for self-satisfaction.
v Constantly
arranging things that are present around.
v Silently
and repeatedly chanting a prayer or phrase.
What are
the Causes of OCD?
The causes of OCD are ambiguous,
but researchers came up with a fact that in a brain, a particular area may not
respond appropriately to serotonin, a chemical that few of the nerve cells use
to contact each other. However, the theory of OCD consists of:
Genetics: OCD may be a cause of genetic component, but that
genes are yet to be recognized.
Biology: Changes in natural chemistry or brain function in
a body may cause development in the symptoms of OCD.
Learning: Extreme fear or compulsive behaviour generates
over time by witnessing others may lead to the development of OCD.
How to diagnose OCD?
Various steps help in diagnosing
OCD. Seeking a doctor's help is vital to get rid of the disorder. The steps are:
Diagnostic criteria
for OCD: The doctor may
utilize the norm in the "Diagnostic and Statical Manual of Mental
Disorders" that is published by the American Psychiatric Association.
Psychological
Evaluation: In this procedure,
the doctor will discuss the views, feeling, thoughts, and behavioural patterns
of a patient to determine the obsession or compulsive behaviour that impede the
quality of life. The procedure may also demand interaction with close people.
Physical Examination: It is imperative to do the physical examination
to know that if any internal issue may be causing the development of symptoms
or any other related complications.
What are the Treatments of OCD?
It is not sure that the treatment of OCD will result in a 100% cure, but the treatment may ensure to bring the symptoms in control so that they stop impeding or ruling the daily activity of a patient. Considering the severity of the patient's condition, it may need long-term intensive treatment.
Therefore, the two treatment for
OCD are:
Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy deals with cognitive-behavioural
therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). These include
exposing the patient to the fear of dirt or anxiety that compels them to do the
compulsive rituals so that it may help in controlling the urge of
compulsion.
Medication: Psychotherapy and medications run in parallel.
The doctor will prescribe some antidepressants at first. These medicines are
available in every online pharmacy store in India.
However, the proper discussion
on the effect of antidepressants and its side effects should be with the
concerned doctor that will help in avoiding any harm to the body, as
antidepressants have potential side effects.
Conclusion:
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder or
OCD is a mental disorder in which the patient is obsessed with everything that
belongs to them and faces anxiety if things do not run as per their designed
norms. The causes of OCD are ambiguous, but researchers came up with a fact
that in a brain, a particular area may not respond appropriately to serotonin,
a chemical that few of the nerve cells use to contact each other. Therefore,
with the help of a speech therapist or psychotherapist, the symptoms may get
reduced, but the patient has to put a little extra effort to follow all the
guidelines given by the physicians and the proper intake of the medicines.