What Exactly Is OCD?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that makes those suffering from it experience intermittent intolerable ideas, thoughts, or sensations known as obsessions. The disorder also drives them to engage in repetitive activities, known as compulsions. Some of the acts they tend to participate in repeatedly are cleaning, checking on things, and hand washing. These behaviors have a significant impact on the individual's daily schedule and social well-being with others.

Someone who is suffering from OCD tends to have rigid behaviors and ideas that are persistent. If the person fails to engage in the behavior, fear and distress haunt them, forcing them to carry out the compulsive activity. Some OCD individuals understand that their obsessions are not reasonable, while others take it as a real obsession.

Despite the fact they believe their obsession is not accurate, individuals with OCD find it hard to free themselves from obsessive thoughts or end the compulsive actions. Doctors and other medical research institutes have not discovered the primary cause of this disorder. However, according to research findings, several factors play a significant role in developing OCD, including:

• Serotonin chemical messenger - Low levels of this neurotransmitter are believed to play a role in the condition.

• Genetics - If a parent has OCD, it's more likely that their children will too.

Symptoms

People with obsessive-compulsive disorder typically experience both compulsions and obsessions. However, it is possible to only suffer from one or the other. Some individuals may realize their obsessions and compulsions are extreme and unrealistic. Having these symptoms can temper your life aspects like school, interpersonal relations, and work.

Obsession Symptoms

An individual under obsession faces frequent and persistent impulses, thoughts, or even images that lead to anxiety or disgust. Individuals suffering from OCD at times try to get rid of the distress of obsession with compulsion. They ease themselves by engaging in other activities that will keep them busy. Below are examples of obsessions signs and symptoms:

• Fear of getting in contact with dirt or contamination.

• Always wanting things to be in a systematic and orderly manner

• Being uncertain in everything you do

• Experiencing some horrific thoughts

• Intolerable ideas around aggression, sexual and religious subjects.

Compulsion Symptoms

OCD compulsions are repetitive physical or mental activities that the sufferer feels compelled to complete. The repetitive behaviors help abate obsession-related anxiety, thereby preventing anything wrong from occurring for a short period, but it's not permanent relief. Let's go through some of the signs of compulsions.

• Repetition of a word or even phrases

• Counting things in unique patterns

• Excessive washing of the hands

• Frequently checking if the stove has been turned off

Typical Treatment Options

Medication, psychotherapy, or the combination of the two are the most common ways of treating OCD, with most patients responding positively. Below are some of the ways that have been proven to treat OCD.

Medication

The frequency and severity of symptoms can be reduced when selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are prescribed. A patient must take daily doses, and the impacts will typically show after 8-12 weeks, although some may experience improvement earlier. If the symptoms don't improve, the patient can try various psychotherapy treatments. If you start medication, you must abide by the following:

• Please consult your doctor and let them explain the benefits and side effects of the medication.

• Inform your doctor before you decide to stop with the medication; stopping may worsen the situation.

• Whenever you experience any side effects, let your doctor know immediately.

Psychotherapy

This kind of therapy is efficient in helping individuals suffering from OCD. According to the research, several types of psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy, can match medication standards when treating individuals.