Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Nowadays, the mental health problem is increasing among people. A lot of people are suffering from different types of mental illness, which affects the mood, thinking and behaviour of the people.

Here, I am briefly discussing about one of the mental illness, which is known as OCD ( obsessive-compulsive disorder).

OCD is characterized by unreasonable thoughts and fears that lead to compulsive behaviour. It is a bit common in women than men. It is characterised by a recurrent obsession and compulsion that the patient experiences an involuntary, senseless and repugnant.

An example of compulsion is repeated checking to be assured that something was done properly or not, hand washing often, fears of germs or contamination and doubt.

Causes of OCD

The exact cause of OCD is not known. But, according to researchers, there are some factors:

1) Family History — the patients are more likely to have OCD if a family member also has the condition.

2) Biological causes— some researchers and scientists suggest an impaired function in certain areas of the brain or problems with the transmission of certain brain chemicals, such as serotonin and norepinephrine.

3) Environmental factors — it may be possible that trauma, abuse or other stressful events can play a part in the development of OCD and other mental health conditions.

Clinical symptoms

The exact cause of OCD is unknown. But, researchers and doctors believe that it may be due to a combination of neurological, environmental, genetic and psychological factors.

An imbalance of serotonin is also thought to play a major role.

Obsession

1) Fear of contamination from dirt, illness or germs.

2) Excessive need to do things. Correctly or properly.

3) Persistent fears of tragic events.

Compulsion

1) Excessive clearing such as hand washing or reading the same line again and again

2) Repeatedly checking things like the stove, locks or homework.

3) asking others for reassurance

Having OCD is like being allergic to life- every walking movement is spent in a state of mental hypersensitivity.

4) counting items repeated

5) It usually begins in adolescence with around 65% of cases manifest before as 25%.

Most patients follow an episodic course with periods of incomplete remission.

Depression, substance abuse and social impairment are common.

It is believed that 1 in 100 children are suffering from OCD. About 12-15 million people may suffer from OCD at some point during their lifetimes.

Treatment

Diagnosing OCD involves a psychiatric assessment and treatment aim to reduce the thoughts and compulsions associated with the condition. It is treated by medicine, therapy or a combination of both.

Some drugs such as clomipramine and fluoxetine are given in treating this case. Escitalopram, paroxetine is also given.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and supportive psychotherapy can be helpful

Meditation and Relaxation — Yoga and massage can help with stressful OCD symptoms.

If you live with OCD, you might have a range of different symptoms.

Now, I think, I try my best to explain briefly about OCD as a mental disorder. I hope, all of you will like this topic.

With ICD, you may try to ignore them or push them out of your mind, but this is generally difficult or impossible.

Dr S.k.jha