Definition -

A mental health condition marked by persistent and distressing obsessions and/or compulsions. Obsessions are intrusive and unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that cause anxiety, while compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts aimed at reducing distress or preventing feared outcomes. 

 

Issues that OCD patients might cause includes troubled relationship, poor quality of life, thoughts about suicide or behavior related to suicide, excessive time spent taking part in ritualistic behaviors, and health issues, such as contact dermatitis from frequent hand-washing.

 

Causes -

Genetic factors significantly contribute to the development of OCD, with approximately 47-58% of patients each year being influenced by these factors. Additionally, stressful life events can also contribute to the emergence of intrusive thoughts, rituals, and emotional distress characteristic of OCD.

Symptoms - Symptoms of GAD typically include excessive worrying, restlessness, irritability, muscle tension, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and physical manifestations like headaches or gastrointestinal problems. These symptoms often persist for months or even years, leading to significant distress and interference with daily activities.

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Symptoms - 

OCD usually includes both obsessions and compulsions. However, it's also possible to have only either one of them. One may or may not know that his or her obsessions and compulsions are beyond reason. But it takes up a great deal of time, reduces one’s quality of life, and gets in the way of one’s daily routines and responsibilities.

 

Obsession Symptoms: 

• Fear of contamination

• Doubting and having a difficult time dealing with uncertain future

• Needing things to be all organized and balanced

• Aggressive or negative thoughts on losing control and harming yourself

 

Compulsion symptoms:

• Constant washing and cleaning

• Following a strict routine without any flexibility

• Ordering and arranging

• Asking for reassurance

• Checking – if doors are locked or if the gas is turned off

 

Treatments -

The best way to treat OCD can be through talking therapy. Especially  therapy that helps you face your fears and obsessive thoughts without "putting them right" with compulsions. Another treatment can be taking medication, usually a type of antidepressant medicine that can help by altering the balance of chemicals in your brain.

 

Self-care techniques -

OCD can be avoided if the environment doesn’t trigger developing or worsening it. Getting regular exercise, eating balanced nutritious food, and getting a good amount of sleep can be the basic living style that can help OCD patients.