The illness known as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterised by recurrent undesirable thoughts and feelings (obsessions) that drive the sufferer to engage in repetitive behaviours (compulsions). Repeated behaviours can seriously hinder everyday duties and social interactions.
Though symptoms of OCD might fluctuate over time, the disorder is often lifelong (chronic). At some point, everyone has compulsions and obsessions. OCD may consume a person’s day for hours at a time. It interferes with daily living and activities. OCD sufferers don’t like engaging in obsessive behaviours, and their obsessions are undesired.
It is crucial to acknowledge that obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, is a mental health issue. Seeking assistance as soon as symptoms arise will help lessen the disturbances to your life, as is the case with any mental health issues. You may minimise or even completely eradicate the influence of your symptoms on your daily life with the support of a variety of coping mechanisms and professional therapy.
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OCD presents two main symptoms: obsessions and compulsions. While some experience both, others have only one.
These symptoms are persistent, requiring at least an hour daily and significantly impacting daily life. Obsessions or compulsions can hinder focus at school or work, even preventing attendance. Despite realising their irrationality, these thoughts and behaviours often feel uncontrollable, illustrating the challenging nature of living with OCD.
Though obsessive thoughts can include a wide range of topics, the following are some prevalent themes:
Unwanted, intrusive thoughts persist despite efforts to ignore or suppress them, fostering a stronger conviction they might come true.
Examples of compulsive behaviours in OCD include:
Compulsions are responses to obsessions. When obsessions arise, you may feel compelled to act to relieve anxiety or prevent the obsessive thought from coming true. Actions may need repeating until perfect.
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While there isn’t a single classification for the many varieties of OCD, experts usually separate the symptoms into several subtypes:
Your symptoms might align with one subtype or fall into multiple categories, given the complexity.
Nor are these the only hypothesised subtypes of OCD. Other unrecognised OCD “types” consist of:
While the exact cause of OCD remains unknown, a family history of the condition may play a major role in the disorder’s development. If you have a close family who has OCD, your chances of getting it are higher.
If you’re genetically more likely to develop OCD, other factors can also increase your chances of developing the condition, such as:
OCD often occurs with other mental health conditions, including eating disorders, social anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, Tourette syndrome and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Even with a family history and risk factors, developing OCD isn’t guaranteed. Individuals with no known risks may still have OCD.
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An OCD test does not exist. A medical professional asks you about your symptoms and past medical and mental health issues before making the diagnosis. They employ a set of standards, which consist of:
A wise place to start when looking for beneficial treatment options is by getting in touch with a therapist who has expertise with OCD.
OCD patients typically receive both medication and psychotherapy as part of their treatment.
If you don’t feel better right away, don’t stop taking your SSRIs as prescribed; it may take 8 to 12 weeks for them to start working.
Typically, mental health providers advise therapy as a component of a multimodal treatment plan.
Medication can often help relieve symptoms, but by working with a therapist, you can also learn tools to manage unwanted thoughts and change unhelpful patterns of behaviour and strategies to improve relaxation and cope with emotional distress.
Therapy approaches recommended for OCD include:
Additionally, there is little evidence in favour of brain stimulation for OCD symptoms.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition which can wax and wane for a long time. When OCD sufferers obtain the right care, their quality of life frequently improves along with their ability to function in social, academic, and/or professional settings. It is always advisable to seek medical help from an experienced psychiatrist. Timely care and help can ensure an appropriate diagnosis and treatment of your condition.
At the CK Birla Hospital, we ensure patients get holistic medical support which includes treatment in a compassionate environment. This patient-centric approach not only helps patients heal better but also ensures they are aware of the preventive measures as well. In case you need to consult a psychiatrist, reach out to us, or book a direct appointment at the CK Birla Hospital.
Normal behaviour involves occasional, manageable thoughts. In obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), intrusive thoughts persist, leading to compulsive behaviours performed to reduce anxiety, affecting daily life significantly.
Therapy, particularly cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention (ERP) are crucial for OCD treatment. It helps individuals manage obsessions and compulsions, fostering healthier thought patterns and behaviours.
Yes, support groups for individuals with OCD provide a valuable community where people can share experiences, coping strategies, and emotional support, fostering a sense of understanding and connection.
Yes, children can develop OCD. The onset often occurs between late childhood and early adulthood, and early intervention through therapy and support is crucial for effective management and improved outcomes.
OCD is typically a chronic condition, but it can be effectively managed with a combination of therapy, medication, and support. While there is no cure, many individuals experience significant improvement with treatment.
