Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common form of anxiety disorder involving distressing, repetitive thoughts. That makes OCD particularly difficult to make sense of or to explain to other people.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is characterised by unreasonable thoughts
and fears (obsessions) that lead to compulsive behaviours.OCD often centres on themes such as a fear of germs or the need to
arrange objects in a specific manner. Symptoms usually begin gradually and vary
throughout life.
Obsessions are distressing or frightening repetitive thoughts which come
into your mind automatically, however irrational they may seem and however much
you try to resist or ignore them. Some people describe these thoughts as
being like a ‘stuck record’, but trying to stop them can make them worse.
Compulsions are actions which people feel they must repeat to feel less
anxious or stop their obsessive thoughts. For example, some people cannot stop
thinking about germs and the diseases they could catch. To cope with this
anxiety, they may start washing their hands over and over again. Other
compulsive rituals may have no connection to the nature of the obsessive
thoughts.
Common obsessions include:
fear of contamination
fear of causing harm to someone else
fear of behaving unacceptably
need for symmetry or exactness.
Compulsions commonly involve checking, cleaning, counting or dressing
rituals. Carrying out a ritual usually gives people temporary relief from
their anxiety. At other times, they can be full of doubt that they have carried
out the ritual properly and so repeat the ritual to ‘get it right’ – a process
that can go on for hours.
It can take people many years to seek professional help. People may be
aware that their rituals are irrational and be ashamed of that and try to hide
them. Some people feel that they lack will power because they cannot stop their
thoughts and rituals.
What are the symptoms of OCD?
Most of us have worries, doubts and superstitious beliefs. It is only
when your thoughts and behaviour make no sense to other people, cause distress
or become excessive that you may want to ask for help. OCD can occur
at any stage of your life. If you experience OCD you may also feel anxious and
depressed and you may believe you are the only one with obsessive
thoughts.
What causes OCD?
OCD has been linked to increased activity in certain parts of the brain
and some experts think low levels of a brain chemical called serotonin may be
involved, although others disagree with this theory. Stress
does not cause OCD, but a stressful event such as giving birth, the death of
someone close to you or divorce may act as a trigger.
What are the treatments for OCD?
There are a number of treatments and strategies to help you deal with
OCD. The first step in getting treatment is to explain your symptoms to your GP
who can then refer you for specialist help. The most effective treatments for
OCD usually involve talking treatments – such as counselling, psychotherapy and
cognitive behaviour therapy – and medication.
How family and friends can help
As family or a friend, you may feel frustrated and confused by the
symptoms of OCD, but you can help a lot by accepting your partner’s, friend’s
or relative’s feelings and understanding that this is their way of coping.
Negative comments or criticism tend to make OCD worse; a calm, supportive
family can help improve the outcome of treatment.
Self-help groups can provide help, support and encouragement. When
children or young people have OCD, it’s important for parents to work with
teachers to be sure that they understand the problem.
For any query call your doctor now
Thank you
Dr. Tarun Nigam
Ratan
Lal Nagar Kapur
Ashok
Nagar Kanpur
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