Everything You Need To Know About OCD

What is OCD?

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), also known as obsessive compulsive neurosis, is a psychiatric disorder that makes people develop thoughts, feelings, ideas, obsessions and repetitive behaviors.

Causes of OCD

While the specific causes are still not known, as per health experts it is caused by certain brain anomalies. Also, factors such as major emotional trauma, history of physical abuse, frequent unpleasant changes in personal and professional life can increase the risk in some cases.

Symptoms of OCD

The most common symptoms are obsessive thoughts which are repetitive and which can also manifest in compulsions. We can classify the obsessions into four categories:

• Interrogative (the need to check some things over and over again)

• Fears or phobias (fears of diseases, certain things, etc.)

• Impulsive (aggressive or sexual)

• Obsessive ideas (need for order, symmetry, religious issues, time issues, etc)

In general, people with OCD may also have ticks. This refers to involuntary movements that come from different muscle contractions in the body.

Diagnosis of OCD

While there are no particular tests available to diagnose OCD, the healthcare provider may run some physical exams and other tests in to verify existence of above mentioned symptoms.

Treatment of OCD

Principally, OCD is treated with cognitive behavioural therapy. In this therapy, the patient is exposed to situations that purposely trigger obsessive thoughts. By doing this, they will start to control their anxiety and their urge to carry out an impulsive act.

In addition, there are also psycho-pharmacological treatments where in the doctor prescribes antidepressants in order to manage the symptoms.

Finally, education about this disorder is provided for patients and their families, as well as training in social skills and activities.