Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of OCD
OCD or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is a mental condition, which traps people in a cycle of repetitive thoughts that pushes them to do repetitive behaviors. As the name states, the obsession over certain things compels them to do it over and over again. These actions will only help you feel relieved for a short time and soon the cycle starts back again.
Symptoms of OCD
The symptoms of OCD are classified in two groups, one for obsessive thoughts and the other for compulsive behavior. some of the common symptoms for these are mentioned bellow:
Obsessions
As the name states this means obsessing over certain things, which varies from person to person. some of the things could be:
1. Being Scared about making mistakes
2. The fear of being embarrassed in public situations
3. Constantly being scared about contamination by germs, microbes or dirt
4. Doubts about sure and simple situations and the need to be constantly reassured about them.
5. Thoughts, words and images being stuck in your head throughout the day that may keep you disturbed and cause to lose sleep.
Compulsive behaviors
The obsessions usually results in compulsive behaviors which you may need to perform to reassure and relieve yourself of the anxiety temporarily. Some of these may include:
1. Trying to constantly arrange things in certain way and still not not being satisfied.
2. Repeated hand washing / washing clothes/ utensils again and again
3. One may even repeat specific words or actions multiple times, which have no value.
Cause of OCD
Biological factors: Certain chemical imbalance in the brain may lead to OCD, which may happen due to hormonal or biological changes. In fact certain infections are also known to trigger OCD in people.
Environmental factors: Certain types of mental trauma have been known to trigger OCD as well, such as
1. Office, school, college or other work related stresses over a long period of time.
2. The passing away of a near and dear one.
3. Relationship problems
4. Repressed abuses from earlier in life.
Treatments
Most treatments of OCD are categorised into two types:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: This is a counselling based therapy where you may be slowly asked to face your fears and overcome them. It relies on the fact that with relaxation techniques patient can be taught to overcome his anxieties
Medicines: Antidepressants, anxiolytics in various combinations may be used to treat OCD.
Electroconvulsive Therapy: Only in the rarest of cases would doctors consider electroconvulsive therapy, if the patient is a danger to themselves or other around them.
Article Compiled By :
Dr. Manish Jain
MBBS (MAMC)
M.D. (Psychiatry MAMC)
Psychiatrist In Shahdara, Yamuna Vihar.
EVOLVE THE MOOD AND MIND CLINIC
Yamuna Vihar, Shahdhara, East Delhi
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