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Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Overview

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by a pattern of unwanted thoughts and fears (obsessions) that cause you to perform repetitive behaviors (compulsions). These obsessions and compulsive behaviors interfere with daily activities and cause severe distress.

You can try to ignore or stop your obsessions. But this will only increase your feelings of distress and anxiety. in the end, You feel driven to perform compulsive behaviors in an attempt to relieve stress. Despite efforts to ignore or eliminate these disturbing thoughts or urges, You keep thinking about it. This leads to more ritualistic behavior – the vicious cycle of OCD.

OCD often revolves around specific themes – e.g. Excessive fear of exposure to contamination due to germs. To alleviate your fears of exposure to pollution, You may wash your hands compulsively until they become sore and cracked.

If you have obsessive-compulsive disorder, You may feel ashamed and embarrassed about this medical condition. But treatment may be effective.

Symptoms

OCD usually includes both obsessions and compulsions. But it is also possible that you only have obsessive symptoms or only compulsive symptoms. You may or may not realize that your obsessions or compulsions are excessive or unreasonable. But they consume a significant amount of time and interfere with your daily routine and your social or work performance.

Symptoms of obsessive disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder obsessions are recurring, persistent, unwanted thoughts, desires, or persistent images that cause distress or anxiety. You may try to ignore it or get rid of it by performing a compulsive behavior or ritual. These obsessions usually appear when you are trying to think about or do other things.

These obsessions often revolve around specific topics. like:

  • Fear of pollution or dirt
  • Doubt and have difficulty tolerating uncertainty
  • The need for things to be organized and consistent
  • Aggressive or terrifying thoughts about losing control and hurting yourself or others
  • unwanted thoughts, Including violence, sexual or religious themes

Examples of obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms and indicators include:

  • Fear of exposure to contamination by touching things that others have touched
  • Doubt that you closed the door or turned off the stove
  • Extreme stress when things are not in order or in a certain direction
  • Pictures of driving your car into a crowd of people
  • Thoughts about shouting obscenities or behaving inappropriately in public
  • Disturbing sexual images
  • Avoid situations that can trigger obsessions, Like shaking hands

Symptoms of obsession

Compulsions caused by obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are repetitive behaviors that you feel compelled to do. These repetitive mental behaviors or actions are intended to reduce the anxiety associated with your obsessions or prevent something bad from happening. However, Engaging in obsessions brings no pleasure and may only provide temporary relief from anxiety.

You can create rules or rituals to follow that help control your anxiety when you have compulsive thoughts. These obsessions are excessive. They are often not realistically linked to the problem they are supposed to solve.

As is the case with obsessions, Compulsions usually have major themes, like:

  • Washing and cleaning
  • Examination
  • count
  • Maintain order
  • Follow a strict routine
  • Over-reassurance

Examples of signs and symptoms of obsessions include:

  • Wash your hands until your skin becomes painful due to the intensity of hand rubbing
  • Check doors frequently to make sure they are locked
  • Check the burner frequently to make sure it is turned off
  • Counting in certain patterns
  • Repeating a prayer, word, or phrase silently
  • Arrange your canned goods so they have the same shape

Varying degrees of severity

Obsessive-compulsive disorder usually begins in the teenage or young adult years. But it may also begin in childhood. Symptoms usually begin gradually, It tends to vary in severity over the lifespan. The types of obsessions and compulsions you experience may also change over time. Symptoms usually get worse when you are exposed to greater stress. The severity of the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder, which is a lifelong disorder, may range from mild to moderate. It may be so severe and time-consuming that it hinders you from your life’s activities.

When should you visit a doctor?

There is a difference between a perfectionist – someone who demands flawless results or performance, For example – between developing obsessive-compulsive disorder. OCD-related thoughts are not just excessive worries about real problems in your life or wanting to clean things up or arrange things in a certain way.

If obsessions and compulsions are affecting your quality of life, Consult a mental health specialist.

the reasons

The cause of obsessive-compulsive disorder is still not fully understood. Main theories include:

  • Vital properties. Obsessive-compulsive disorder may be the result of changes in normal body chemistry or brain function.
  • Genetic characteristics. Obsessive-compulsive disorder may have a genetic component, But it has not yet been determined whether specific genes play a role in this disease.
  • Learning. Obsessive fears and compulsive behaviors can be learned from watching family members or can be learned gradually over time.

Risk factors

Factors that may increase your risk of developing obsessive-compulsive disorder include:

  • Family medical history. Having parents or other family members with the disorder may increase the risk of developing obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
  • Stressful daily life events. If you have experienced trauma or stressful events, Your risk of infection may increase. This reaction may lead to, for some reason, It triggers the thoughts, routines, and emotional disturbances that characterize obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
  • Other mental health disorders. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may be related to other mental health disorders, Such as anxiety disorder, depression, drug or alcohol abuse, or tic disorders (involuntary contraction of facial muscles).

Complications

Problems resulting from OCD may include, but are not limited to:

  • Excessive repetition of rituals and rituals
  • health problems, Such as contact dermatitis resulting from frequent hand washing
  • Difficulty going to work or school or participating in social activities
  • Disturbances in relationships
  • Low quality of life in general
  • Suicidal thoughts and behaviors

protection

There is no sure way to prevent obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, Getting treatment as soon as possible may help prevent obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) from getting worse. And disrupt your daily activity and habits.

Diagnosis

Steps to help diagnose OCD may include:

  • Psychological evaluation. This involves discussing your thoughts, feelings, symptoms, and behavior patterns to determine if you have obsessions or compulsive behaviors that are interfering with your quality of life. This may include speaking to your family or friends with your consent.
  • Physical examination. This test may be performed to help rule out other problems that may be causing your symptoms and to check for any related complications.

Diagnostic difficulties

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is sometimes difficult to diagnose because symptoms can be similar to those of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, anxiety disorders, depression, schizophrenia, or other mental health disorders. It is possible to suffer from both obsessive-compulsive disorder and another mental health disorder at the same time. Work with your doctor so you can get the right diagnosis and treatment.

treatment

Treating obsessive-compulsive disorder may not get rid of the problem. But it can help control symptoms so they don’t control your daily life. Depending on the severity of OCD, Some people may need long-term, continuous, or more intensive treatment.

The two main treatments for OCD are psychotherapy and medication. Treatment is often more effective when these two types of treatment are combined.

Psychotherapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a type of psychotherapy, is an effective option for many people with OCD. Exposure and response prevention (ERP), a component of cognitive behavioral therapy, involves gradually exposing you to a feared or obsessive item — such as dirt — and introducing you to ways to resist the urge to perform your compulsive rituals. Exposure and response prevention takes effort and practice. But once you learn how to manage your obsessions and compulsions, you will be able to enjoy a better quality of life.

pharmaceutical

Some psychiatric medications can help control the obsessions and compulsive actions of obsessive-compulsive disorder if they are adhered to according to the instructions of the specialist doctor.

pharmaceutical: What to consider

Here are some issues to discuss with your doctor about medications for OCD:

  • Choose a medication. in general, The goal is effective control of symptoms at the lowest possible dose. It is unusual to try many medications before finding one that works. Your doctor may recommend more than one medication to effectively control your symptoms. It can take weeks to months to notice improvement in symptoms after starting the medication.
  • side effects. All psychiatric medications have potential side effects. Talk to your doctor about possible side effects and any health monitoring needed while taking psychiatric medications. Tell your doctor if you experience any side effects.
  • Interactions with other substances. When you take the medicine, Tell your doctor about any other prescription or over-the-counter medications, herbs, or other nutritional supplements you are taking.

Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using certain medications.

Lifestyle and home remedies

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a chronic medical condition, Which means he may always be a part of your life. Although obsessive-compulsive disorder requires treatment by a specialist, However, you can do some things yourself, Depending on your treatment plan:

  • Practice what you learn. Work with a mental health professional to identify techniques and skills that help manage symptoms and practice them regularly.
  • Take your prescribed medications as directed. Even if you feel better, Do not stop taking medications. If you stop taking it, It is possible that the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder will return.
  • Pay attention to warning signs. You and your doctor may have identified problems that could trigger your OCD symptoms. Make a plan so you’re prepared for what to do if symptoms return. Contact your doctor or therapist if you notice any changes in your symptoms or feelings.
  • Check first before taking other medications. Contact the doctor who treats you for obsessive-compulsive disorder before you take prescription medications from another doctor or before taking any over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbal remedies or other supplements to avoid possible interactions.

Coping and support

Living with obsessive-compulsive disorder can be a challenge. Medicines may have unwanted side effects, You may feel embarrassed or angry about having a problem that requires long-term treatment. Here are some ways to help live with OCD:

  • Learn about obsessive-compulsive disorder. Learning about your condition can help you and motivate you to stick to your treatment plan.
  • Stay focused on your goals. Keep your recovery goals in mind and remember that recovery from OCD is an ongoing process.
  • Join a support group. Connecting with others facing similar challenges can provide support and help you cope with the challenges.
  • Discover healthy outlets. Find healthy ways to channel your energy such as hobbies and recreational activities. Exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, and get enough sleep.
  • Learn to relax and manage stress. Stress management techniques such as meditation, visualization, muscle relaxation, massage, deep breathing, yoga, or tai chi may help relieve stress and anxiety. This is in addition to specialized treatment.
  • Stick to your normal activities. Try not to avoid useful activities. Go to work or school as you normally would. Spend some time with family and friends. Don’t let OCD get in the way of your life.

Prepare for your appointment

You can start by seeing your primary doctor. Because OCD often requires specialized care, You may be referred to a mental health specialist, like a psychiatrist, To evaluate and treat the condition.

What you can do

To prepare for your medical appointment, Think about your needs and goals for treatment. Make a list of the following:

  • Any symptoms you’ve noticed, including the types of obsessions and compulsions you’ve experienced and things you may be avoiding because of your distress
  • Key personal information, including any major stressors or recent life changes and family members with similar symptoms
  • All medications , vitamins, herbal remedies or other nutritional supplements, As well as doses
  • Questions you want to ask your doctor or therapist

Questions you might ask include:

  • Do you think I have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?
  • How do you treat obsessive-compulsive disorder?
  • How can therapy help me?
  • Are there medications that may help me overcome this problem?
  • Will exposure and response prevention therapy help?
  • How long will the treatment take?
  • What can I do to help myself?
  • Are there any brochures or other literature I can get?
  • Can you recommend any websites?

Do not hesitate to ask any other questions during your appointment.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, like:

  • Do thoughts repeatedly come to mind despite your attempts to ignore them?
  • Do you have to arrange things a certain way?
  • Do you have to wash your hands? Or count things, Or checking things over and over again?
  • When did you start showing symptoms?
  • Were the symptoms continuous or occasional?
  • What improves symptoms? If any?
  • What makes symptoms get worse? If any?
  • How do symptoms affect your daily life? Are you avoiding anything because of your symptoms?
  • On your normal day, How much time do you spend thinking about obsessive thoughts and compulsive behavior?
  • Have any of your relatives ever had any mental health disorders?
  • Have you experienced any trauma or severe psychological stress?

Your doctor will ask you additional questions based on your responses, symptoms, and needs. Being prepared and anticipating questions will help you make the most of your appointment time.