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Obsessive Compulsive Disorder


APSARA KATUWAL DANGOL

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is mental disorder characterized by uncontrollable and recurring thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (Compulsions). It causes distress and disturbs daily activities. It was formerly called Anxiety disorder. The unwanted thoughts and images obligated person with OCD to perform repeated activities like washing hand regularly, checking door time and again, counting of things, ordering and arranging.



Causes of OCD
The real cause of OCD is still unknown but biological and environmental causes are responsible. Biological factor includes the chemical changes in the brain due to genetics (hereditary) and environmental factors include the death of loved one, illness, abuse, contamination, diseases,et.c.

Sign and Symptoms of OCD
People with OCD have some sign and symptoms which regularly disturbs their daily activities. Their life is really disturbed due to obsessions and compulsions.

OBSESSIONS
(mental urge or images repeated thoughts that lead to anxiety)
i. fear of contamination,
ii. excessive doubts,
iii. fear of making mistakes,
iv. aggression due to obsession,
v. fear of harming others,
vi. the need for perfection.
COMPULSION
(Repetitive behaviors for repeated thoughts)
i. Repeatedly washing or cleaning,
ii. Checking things repeatedly,
iii. Repeatedly counting, tapping, touching, rubbing,
iv. Arranging things regularly,
v. Continuously praying (mental rituals).

Diagnosis of OCD
There is no exact test to identify OCD. By interviewing patient through assessment tool, doctor diagnosis OCD by knowing how much time a patient spends on repeated behavior like data of hand washing time, checking the lock of the door.

Treatment of OCD
OCD needs to be treated as it disturbs daily activities of an individual. Cognitive behavioral and medication therapy can help an individual to reduce symptoms of OCD. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps patient with OCD to confront their fears. It helps to reduce anxiety. Medication like antidepressant like Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) like Luvox, Prozac, Zoloft helps in treating OCD.

An alternative to CBT and MT can be an Electroconvulsive therapy which can help in treating OCD or reduce symptoms of OCD.

Note: Do not use medication without a prescription of the doctor.

About Writer

Apsara Katuwal Dangol, is writer, educator, and psychosocial counselor. She writes articles which covers topics related to general and developmental psychology. She teaches to MA Clinical Psychology students as Developmental Psychology Mentor at Tri-Chandra College, and General Psychology at Shubhashree College of Management.





References:
An Overview of Obsessive - Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/obsessive-compulsive-disorder#3

 Obsessive - Compulsive Disorder
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obsessive%E2%80%93compulsive_disorder#Signs_and_symptoms

 Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
https://www.anxietybc.com/parenting/obsessive-compulsive-disorder

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd/index.shtml

What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/ocd/what-is-obsessive-compulsive-disorder





Comments

  1. Aditya RanaMay 17, 2023 at 11:12 PM

    You describe every step informative about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder here. Thank you for bringing up such an interesting topic.

    ReplyDelete

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