Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

What is OCD?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is defined or described as a pattern of ideas or thoughts known as obsession and related automatic and irresistible acts known as compulsions. These may become time-consuming, and distressing and interfere with a person’s everyday functioning in various aspects.

What are the different types of OCD?

While the specific obsessions and compulsions vary, OCD types can be broadly categorized into different themes:

Contamination OCD

This type consists of an irrational sense of cleanliness accompanied by fear of germs or contamination hence washing hands, cleaning, or avoiding some events.

Checking OCD

A continuous urge to double-cross something like a lock, an appliance, or a switch because something bad would happen if not checked.

Order and symmetry OCD

A person’s predisposition and a very orderly compulsive need to rearrange objects and have things in pairs or another multiple of four.

Intrusive thoughts OCD

Obsessive, compulsive thinking that is unwanted and disturbs the individual with images of violence, harm, religion, or topics that are forbidden.

Living with OCD

One must learn to live with the disorder, and it is always helpful to note that you are not the only person going through such problems. There are countless services out there to support you to live a full life despite the symptoms you may be experiencing. Here are some tips:

• Join a support group – This is because all the interaction with other persons with similar ailing situations will only be in your best interest.
• Educate yourself – It is a useful approach to comprehend additional OCD because it can assist one in taking a position over their disorder.
• Practice self-care – Exercise, meditation, and being in the natural environment are other activities that should be included in the daily schedule to ensure that stress is low.
• Be patient – It is worth noting that recovery from OCD calls for time and vigor. You should not be harsh on yourself and relax and also try to be proud of what you have achieved no matter how little it is or how much it may be.

Treatment for OCD

Fortunately, OCD is one of the most treatable psychiatric disorders. Two main approaches to OCD Treatment are used:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) – It is founded on cognitive restructuring, and as such, this means that there is a need for the person to be assisted to overcome processes or ways of thinking that lead to obsession as well as compulsion.
• Exposure and response prevention (ERP) – Therefore in ERP therapy clients are exposed to areas that provoke the individual’s obsession and are prevented from performing compulsions.

What are the signs and symptoms of OCD?

It is also evident that the signs of a person’s obsessions and compulsions may differ. However, some common signs and symptoms of OCD include:

Obsessions

• Intrusive Thoughts – Intrusive thoughts, images, or impulses that repeatedly appear and are not easily dismissed causing excessive anxiety and botheration.
• Fear of Contamination – It is a phobic anxiety of germs, dirt, or illnesses beyond a normal healthy level.
• Need for Symmetry – Obsession with neatness, symmetry, or minutia.
• Aggressive Thoughts – Concerns that people can hurt themselves, or those around them.

Compulsions

• Repetitive Behaviors – Frequent hand washing, door or appliance lock checking, or constant switching between various activities.
• Mental Acts – Whispering or mumbling words, actions, or phrases repetitively, and counting.
• Rituals – Completed in a particular sequence or for a specific number of times.
• Avoidance – Avoiding the things which may force a person to develop an obsession.

What Causes OCD?

The exact cause of OCD is unknown, but it's believed to be a combination of factors, including:

Brain chemistry

This is due to reasons like; low levels of serotonin, which is a, in the brain, and other kinds of imbalances of the brain.

Genetics

OCD may also be hereditary which in turn is the same, where the condition may be experienced in successive generations of the family.

Life experiences

This condition may however be triggered by what may be referred to as Psychotraumatic events or any other stressful event that may be part of people’s lives.