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OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER(OCD)

Anxiety Disorder:

WHAT IS OCD?

Obsessive - compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder in which time people have recurring , unwanted thoughts , ideas or sensations that make them feel driven to do something repetitively.

OCD causes the brain to get stuck on a particular thought or urge.

For example: You may check the stove 20 times to make sure it's really turned off because you are terrified of burning down your house.

Or , you may wash your hands until they are scrubbed raw for fear of germs.

OCD OBSESSION AND COMPULSION:

  • Obsession are involuntary thoughts , images or impulses that occur over and over again in your mind.
  • These obsessive thoughts are often disturbing and distracting.
  • Compulsions are behaviors that you feel driven to act out again and again.
For eg: If you afraid of contamination , you might develop elaborate cleaning rituals , However the relief never lasts.

THE VICIOUS CYCLE OF OCD :


Mostly people with OCD fall into one of the following categories:
  1. CHECKERS : Repeatedly check things that they associate with harm or danger.
  2. WASHERS :   Are afraid of contamination they usually have cleaning or hand washing compulsion.
  3. COUNTERS & ARRANGERS : Are obsessed with order and symmetry.They may also have superstitions about certain numbers , colors or arrangements.
  4. HOARDERS : Fear that something bad will happen if they throw anything away.

CAUSES : 

  • BIOLOGY : OCD may result of changes in your body's own natural chemistry or brain function.
  • GENETICS : OCD may have a genetic component but specific genes have yet to be identified.
  • LEARNING : Obsessive fears and compulsive behaviours can be learned from watching family members or gradually learned over time.

RISK FACTORS : 

  • FAMILY HISTORY : Having parents or other family memebers with the disorder can increase your risk of developing OCD.
  • STRESSFUL LIFE EVENTS : If you have experienced traumatic or stressful events the risk may increase.
  • OTHER MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS : OCD may be related to other mental health disorders , such as anxiety disorders , depression , etc.

COMPLICATIONS : 

  • Excessive time spent engaging in ritualistic behaviors.
  • Troubled relationships.
  • Poor quality of life.
  • Health issues.
  • Suicidal thoughts and behavior.

DIAGNOSIS : 

  • PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION: This includes discussing your thoughts , feelings , symptoms and behavior pattern .
  • PHYSICAL EXAMINATION : This may help to rule out the problems that could cause your symptoms.

TREATMENT :

  • PSYCHOTHERAPY : Cognitive behavioral therapy(CBT) is a type of psychotherapy which is effective for many people with OCD. Exposure and response prevention a component of CBT involves gradually exposing you to a feared object  or obsession such as dirt , and having you learn ways to resist the urge to do your compulsive rituals .
  • MEDICATIONS : Certain psychiatric medications can help control the obsession and compulsion of OCD , most commonly anti depressants.

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