Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder or OCD are intrusive thoughts (obsession) which are distressing and repetitive behaviours (compulsion). Some common obsessions seen in people with OCD include - fear of contamination, and the need for order. Compulsions usually include - excessive hand washing, checking locks, or counting. These may provide temporary relief but can reinforce the OCD cycle. 

OCD usually impacts daily life functioning, which ultimately deteriorates the quality of life. It often co-occurs with disorders like ADHD, depression, anxiety, etc. Hence, it is important to get OCD treated. The most useful treatment method is medications and ERP (Exposure and response prevention), which exposes the patients to their worst fears while preventing compulsion. 

While OCD can be challenging to deal with, self-care and medication, in addition to moral and emotional support, can help individuals with OCD live a fulfilling life. 

What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

OCD, or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, is a mental condition characterised by recurrent, unwanted thoughts or urges or obsessions. It may also induce compulsive behaviours or repetitive doing of some tasks. It is very much likely for a person to have both compulsion and obsessions.

OCD is not associated with behaviours like nail biting or negative thinking. One may become obsessed with the idea that particular colours or numbers are "good" or "bad." One example of a compulsive habit would be washing your hands seven times after contacting potentially contaminated objects. You feel like you can't stop even though you don't want to think or act in these ways. OCD can cause significant distress and disturbance in one's life. Yet, coping mechanisms and treatments can be beneficial.

Symptoms of OCD

Both compulsions and obsessions are common in OCD sufferers, albeit you may only experience one of the symptoms. Additionally, some people experience uncontrollable movements or sounds due to a tic disorder.

• Obsession: These are repetitive, unwelcoming ideas, feelings, or visions in your mind. You can't stop yourself from having them; try to ignore them as you might. People with OCD often experience some of the same types of compulsive thinking. Some of the symptoms are:
  • Anxiety about harming oneself or others' constant awareness of breathing, blinking, or other physical sensations
  • Concerns about not being able to control what you say or do
  • Concerns about dirt and bacteria getting on your body
  • disturbing ideas regarding violence, religion
  • Fear of forgetting or misplacing something
  • The requirement for symmetry or order
• Compulsion: You feel compelled to perform these mental or physical actions even though you don't want to. They are typically associated with an obsession; you might think that engaging in them will end uncomfortable thoughts or prevent a negative outcome. These actions can be combined into complex rituals that involve multiple actions. For example, consider the following:
  • Following strict procedures or completing chores in a predetermined order each time
  • Counting objects, such as steps or bottles, and to give numbers meaning
  • Customs for cleaning and washing
  • Putting things in a specific order
  • Confirming several times that appliances are off, doors are closed, etc.
  • Uttering specific phrases again or silently praying
  • Continuously looking for validation or assurance
  • Avoiding circumstances that cause OCD is another prevalent feature of the disorder.

The severity of the symptoms might vary from moderate to incapacitating. Occasionally, things might get worse or better over time. It's possible that your compulsive behaviours and obsessions will shift as well.

Causes of OCD

OCD does not have any known causes. There is a genetic susceptibility to OCD in many OCD sufferers. However, your temperament and the surrounding circumstances might also be involved.

Additionally, a few things can cause OCD, including:

• A viral or bacterial infection 
• Trauma to the brain (TBI)
• Stress 

Research indicates that these don't contribute to OCD. Rather, they exacerbate OCD in individuals who are predisposed to it genetically. Some people experience OCD without any apparent reason. It is believed that these either cause OCD or exacerbate its symptoms. If you have OCD, you may have thought patterns that reflect any one of these beliefs:

• Over-responsibility: Thinking you have the power to stop or avoid unfavourable events that aren't actually within your control.
• Excessive Significance of Ideas: Feeling that doing a wrong thing, like injuring someone, is ethically equivalent to thinking about doing it.
• Mind control: A conviction that complete mental control is both required and feasible
• Overestimation of Threat: The conviction that disastrous catastrophes are almost certain
• Perfectionism: The idea that flaws are unacceptable
• Intolerance for Ambiguity: An intense desire to know what will happen (or to be certain that nothing negative will happen)

OCD Risk Factors

Women are somewhat more likely than men to have OCD. Most persons are diagnosed in their early adult years, with symptoms typically beginning in late childhood or early adulthood. Additional risks include:

• Anxiety, depression, or tics
• Trauma-related experience
• An OCD-afflicted parent, sibling, or child
• Past of childhood sexual or physical abuse
• Physical variations in specific brain regions

Complications

OCD can cause several complications, such as:

• Poor life quality
• Troubled relationship
• Suicidal thoughts and violent behaviour
• Excessive time spent taking part in ritualistic behaviour
• Health issues such as contact dermatitis from frequent handwashing
• Having a hard time going to work or school or taking part in social activities

Diagnosis 

It is important to visit a healthcare provider. They can diagnose you based on your behaviours, emotions, thoughts, degree of distress, and effects on functioning. 

You might be directed to a vocational therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist. They will rule out additional illnesses that could be the source of your symptoms, like:

• Depression
• Schizophrenia
• Disorders of anxiety

Sometimes getting a diagnosis takes time. Still, starting the evaluation procedure is a constructive step in the right direction.

How is OCD Treated?

Even though OCD might be challenging, it is manageable. OCD can be managed and treated with the following methods:

• Medicine: Medication, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), is beneficial for certain OCD sufferers. A psychiatrist or other medical practitioner may write you a prescription.
• Therapy: OCD is most commonly treated with exposure and response prevention (ERP), a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Several trials have found that this is successful. OCD treatment. If a person gives in to your compulsion, you can feel something negative will happen. During therapy, doctors will help them learn to control obsessions without indulging in compulsions. This may eventually lessen the obsessions' potency.
• Self-Care: Self-care is one of the best ways to manage OCD. Stress management may be beneficial because stress can exacerbate OCD. Also, exercise, meditation, and artistic hobbies can be stress-relieving activities. Moreover, journaling and other expressive activities should be tried to help process the feelings. 

When Should I See a Doctor?

If OCD is affecting a person’s daily life, it is important to see a doctor, before it gets out of control. Doctors will advise on some self care and medication (if required). 

Prevention

There are no sure ways to prevent OCD. However, if a person experiences symptoms of OCD, they must immediately see a doctor and take precautions that may help prevent OCD from getting worse. 

Conclusion

A mental ailment known as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterised by uncontrollable thought and/or behaviour patterns. You could feel compelled to act in a certain way—mentally or physically—in order to get rid of unpleasant thoughts. Even though there is no cure for OCD, many people may manage the condition with medication, therapy, or both.

People with OCD do not have an easy life. However, the good news is that there is treatment for OCD for managing the condition. Many OCD sufferers control their illness and have fulfilling lives.

You should think about seeing a mental health care professional (Psychiatrist or Therapist) who specialises in treating OCD if you think you or a loved one has the disorder. Often, the first step in learning to manage your OCD symptoms is to speak with a specialist.

FAQs

Q1. Is it OCD anxiety?

Ans. OCD is not the same as anxiety but can cause a high level of anxiety, where a person cannot control their emotions. It can cause unreasonable thoughts, fears, or worries. 

Q2. How can I cure my OCD naturally?

Ans. Eating a proper diet, practising mindfulness, exercising, and educating oneself on OCD can help manage the condition naturally. 

Q3. What is the difference between OCD and OCPD?

Ans. OCD is characterised by intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviours, followed by anxiety. On the other hand, OCPD is a personality disorder marked by a pervasive pattern of perfectionism, rigidity, and a need for control over one’s environment.

Dr. Mazher Ali

MBBS, MD (Psychiatry)
CARE Hospitals Outpatient Centre, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad

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