The disorder known as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by recurrent, undesirable, and unpleasant thoughts, ideas, impulses, or images. People with OCD are motivated to repeat a compulsion, often known as a ritual, in order to get rid of the thoughts. The compulsions and obsessions—including cleaning and hand washing, checking on items, and mental tasks like counting—are troublesome. They considerably disrupt a person’s everyday activities, including social interactions, create severe emotional discomfort, or take up a lot of time (for instance, more than an hour every day).
Disturbing thoughts or repetitive activities are common in people without OCD. These aren’t time-consuming, upsetting, or detrimental, though. OCD sufferers have persistent and intrusive thoughts, as well as rigid repetitive behaviours. Not engaging in the behaviours (compulsions, rituals) frequently generates significant distress. For example, the person may be concerned that failure to complete the behaviours will have serious consequences for themselves or their loved ones. Most people with OCD are aware or suspect that their obsessional thoughts are unrealistic or false, but they still struggle to disengage from them or stop their compulsive behaviours.
What’s the distinction between OCD and OCPD?
Although they may sound identical, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) are distinct disorders.
OCPD is a personality condition characterized by an excessive obsession with perfectionism, organisation, and control.
People with OCD are usually conscious of the fact their obsessions and compulsions are bothersome and recognise that they require professional assistance to treat the illness. People with OCPD typically believe that their behaviour and views are normal.
What signs and symptoms are present in OCD?
Obsessions and compulsions that disrupt everyday activities are the primary signs of obsessive compulsive disorder. For instance, symptoms frequently make it difficult to arrive at work on time. Alternatively, you could struggle to get ready for bed in a timely manner. Even if you are aware that these symptoms are troublesome, you are unable to stop them. OCD symptoms might appear and disappear, become better with time, or get worse with time. You should consult a healthcare professional if your child or you experience OCD symptoms that interfere with day-to-day functioning.
Obsessions
Unwanted, intrusive, frequent, and persistent thoughts, desires, or pictures that evoke negative feelings like fear, anxiety, or disgust are called obsessions. The majority of OCD sufferers are aware that these ideas are excessive or irrational and that they are the result of their own minds. However, logic and reasoning cannot alleviate the discomfort caused by these unwanted ideas. By engaging in compulsions, the majority of OCD sufferers attempt to alleviate the distress caused by their obsessional thoughts. For instance, individuals could wash their hands frequently and compulsively if they are afraid of getting contaminated by touching objects like doorknobs. Additionally, they can attempt to ignore or repress the obsessions or divert their attention with other pursuits.
Examples of typical subjects for obsessive thoughts include:
- Fear of environmental or human contamination.
- Unsettling sexual ideas or visuals.
- Religious ideas or anxieties, frequently blasphemous.
- Fear of hurting oneself or one’s loved ones, or of acting aggressively.
- Extreme concern that something is missing.
- Extreme attention to precision, symmetry, or order.
- Fear of losing or throwing away something valuable.
- Can also be words, music, noises, pictures, or seemingly pointless thoughts.
Compulsions
Compulsions are recurring actions or thoughts that someone feels compelled to carry out as a result of an obsession. People who engage in these behaviors are more inclined to do so again in the future because they usually temporarily prevent or lessen the suffering associated with an obsession. Excessive reactions that are directly linked to an obsession (such washing your hands too much out of fear of becoming sick) or behaviors that have nothing to do with the obsession at all might be considered compulsions. In the worst situations, a day may be filled with rituals that are done repeatedly, making it impossible to follow a regular schedule.
Examples of compulsions:
- excessive or ritualized showering or hand washing.
- Repeated washing of home things.
- excessively putting things in a specific order or arrangement.
- checking doors, appliances, switches, locks, etc. repeatedly.
- constantly looking for validation or affirmation.
- Number-related rituals include counting, repeating, or doing an action a predetermined number of times (e.g., three times).
- OCD sufferers may also steer clear of particular persons, locations, or circumstances that upset them and set off compulsions and/or obsessions. For instance, their fear of contaminating the house and family members upon their return may motivate them to avoid leaving the house. Avoiding these items could negatively affect other aspects of their mental or physical health as well as further hinder their capacity to operate in daily life.
What causes OCD?
Researchers do not know exactly what causes OCD. However, they believe several factors contribute to its growth, including:
- Genetics: Research indicates that people who have a first-degree relative (biological parent or sibling) with OCD are more likely to develop the condition. The risk rises if the relative had OCD as a child or adolescent.
- Brain changes: Imaging studies have revealed alterations in the frontal cortex and subcortical areas of OCD patients. OCD is also related with other neurological illnesses that affect similar sections of your brain, including Parkinson’s disease, Tourette’s syndrome and epilepsy.
- Childhood trauma: Some studies demonstrate a relationship involving childhood trauma, particularly abuse or neglect, and the rise of OCD.
- The acronym for “pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections” is PANDAS syndrome. It explains a collection of illnesses, including scarlet fever and strep throat. These can strike kids who have had strep infections. One of these disorders is OCD.
Treatment
OCD is treated with a combination of medications and behavioural therapies.
Antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilisers are often used medications.
Clomipramine has been demonstrated to be beneficial for many OCD sufferers.
Talk therapy (cognitive behavioural therapy; CBT) has been found to be useful for this illness. During therapy, the individual is repeatedly exposed to a circumstance that prompts obsessive thoughts and progressively learns to bear the anxiety and resist the impulse to engage in the compulsion. Therapy can also help to relieve stress and anxiety, as well as address internal problems.