OBSESSIVE CONVULSIVE DISORDER

A mental health condition known as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by distressing, intrusive, and obsessive thoughts as well as repetitive, compulsive physical or mental actions.

 

Obsessive thoughts that result in repetitive actions (compulsions).

Obsessive thoughts and fears (obsessions) that lead to compulsive behaviors are the hallmark of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

 

Obsessions and compulsions are typically a part of obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, it is also possible to exhibit only obsession or compulsion symptoms. You may or may not be aware that your compulsions and obsessions are excessive or unreasonable, but they consume a significant amount of time and disrupt your social, academic, or professional life.

 

ODC obsessions include intrusive thoughts, urges, or images that are repeated, persistent, and unwelcome. You could try to ignore them or get rid of them by engaging in a ritual or compulsive behavior. When you try to think of or do something else, these obsessions typically take over.

 

• Apprehension about defilement or dirt

• Questioning and experiencing issues enduring vulnerability

• Requiring things organized and even

• Forceful or horrendous contemplations about letting completely go and hurting yourself or others

• Undesirable contemplations, including animosity, or sexual or strict subjects

 

•Intense stress when objects aren’t in an orderly or facing a certain way 

• Images of driving your car into a crowd of people 

• Thoughts about shouting obscenities or acting inappropriately in public 

• Unpleasant sexual images 

• Avoidance of situations that can trigger obsessions, such as shaking hands

 

Compulsions with OCD are actions you feel compelled to do over and over again. The purpose of these recurrent mental or behavioral actions is to either stop something bad from happening or alleviate anxiety caused by your obsessions. However, the compulsions do not bring pleasure and may only temporarily alleviate anxiety.

 

• Cleaning and washing; 

• Counting; 

• Maintaining order; 

• Adhering to a strict routine; 

• Calling for assurance

 

• Washing your hands until your skin is raw; 

• Counting in specific patterns; 

• Silently repeating a prayer, word, or phrase; 

• Arranging your canned goods to face the same way.

 

OCD is not completely understood by scientists. An individual’s risk of developing the condition or experiencing an OCD episode may be increased by the following events or factors:

 

• Changes in the way you live, like moving, getting married or divorced, or starting a new job or school.

• A loved one passing away or another emotional trauma.

• A history of violence

• An illness (for instance, getting the flu may set in motion a cycle of obsessing over germs and washing obsessively).

• Low levels of serotonin, a naturally occurring substance in the brain that helps to regulate mental equilibrium.

• Excessive activity in brain regions

• Issues at school or work

• Issues with a significant relationship

 

You should see a doctor if you experience OCD symptoms that make it difficult to go about your day-to-day activities. A mental health professional with specialized training can provide several options:

 

• CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy):Psychotherapy is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy.You will speak with a therapist, who will assist you in examining and comprehending your feelings and thoughts. CBT can help you break bad habits and maybe replace them with healthier ways to deal with life over several sessions.

 

• Prescriptions: Tricyclic antidepressants, serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs), and selective SRIs (SSRIs) may be of assistance. Serotonin levels go up as a result. Clomipramine, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, and sertraline are a few examples.

 

• Prevention of exposure and response (EX/RP): You do the thing that makes you anxious during this therapy. The healthcare provider then imposes a compulsion on you to stop responding. For instance, the provider might stop you from washing your hands after asking you to touch dirty things.

 

What happens if OCD doesn’t respond to CBT or medication? A healthcare provider may attempt to improve mood, specifically depression, through the following therapies if OCD does not respond to CBT and medication:

 

• ECT (Electroconvulsive therapy): Electrodes attached to the head are used in electroconvulsive therapy. The brain is shocked by these wires with electricity. Small seizures are caused by the shocks, which encourage the brain to release beneficial chemicals.

 

• TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation): A head-mounted magnetic device is used for transcranial magnetic stimulation.The brain receives electrical impulses from it.The brain releases chemicals known to boost mood as a result of the impulses.

 

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