Description

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) features a pattern of unwanted thoughts and fears are known as obsessions. These obsessions lead you to do repetitive behaviors, also called compulsions. These obsessions and compulsions in the way of daily activities and cause a lot of distress.

Ultimately, you feel driven to do compulsive acts to relieve your stress. Even if you try to ignore or get rid of the annoying thoughts or impulses, they keep coming back. This leads them to act on the basis of the ritual. This is the vicious cycle of OCD .

OCD often centers around certain themes, such as being too fearful of being contaminated by germs. To ease your contamination fears, you may wash your hands again and again, until they're sore and chapped.

If you have OCD , you may be embarrassed and frustrated about the condition. But treatment can be effective.

Symptoms

Obsessive-compulsive disorder usually includes both obsessions and compulsions. But it is also possible to have only obsession symptoms or only compulsion symptoms. You may or may not know that their obsessions and compulsions are beyond reason. But they take a lot of time, reduce your quality of life, and in the way of your daily routines and responsibilities.

The obsession of the symptoms

OCD obsessions are long-lasting and unwanted thoughts that come back, or impulses, or images that are intrusive and cause distress or anxiety. You can try to ignore them or get rid of them by the action based on the ritual. These obsessions typically intrude when you're trying to think of or do other things.

Obsessions often have themes, such as:

  • The fear of contamination or dirt.
  • Doubt and having a hard time to deal with the uncertainty.
  • Need for things to be orderly and well-balanced.
  • Aggressive or horrific thoughts about losing control and hurting himself or others.
  • Unwanted thoughts, including aggression, sexual or religious subjects.

Examples of the obsession of the symptoms include:

  • The fear of being contaminated by touching objects others have touched.
  • The doubts that you have closed the door or turned off the stove.
  • Intense stress when objects aren't orderly or facing a certain way.
  • Images of driving his car into a crowd of people.
  • Thoughts on shouting obscenities or not to act in the right way in public.
  • Nasty images of sexual content.
  • Stay away from situations that can trigger obsessions, such as shaking hands.

Compulsion symptoms

OCD compulsions are repetitive behaviors that you feel driven to do. These repetitive behaviors or mental acts are aimed at reducing the anxiety related to your obsessions or to prevent something bad to happen. But to take part in the compulsions brings no pleasure and they only offer limited relief from anxiety.

You can make up rules or rituals to follow that help control your anxiety when you're having obsessive thoughts. These compulsions are beyond reason and, often, not related to the topic we are with the intention of solving.

As with obsessions, compulsions often have themes, such as:

  • Washing and cleaning.
  • Check.
  • Counting.
  • The order.
  • After a strict routine.
  • Demanding the guarantee of security.

Examples of compulsion symptoms include:

  • The hand-washing until your skin becomes raw.
  • The door control again and again to make sure that it is locked.
  • Checking the stove again and again to make sure it's off.
  • Counting in certain patterns.
  • Silently repeating a prayer, word or phrase.
  • Trying to replace a bad thought with a good thought.
  • Arranging your canned goods to face the same way.

The severity varies

OCD usually begins in adolescence or adulthood, but can begin in childhood. Symptoms usually begin with the time and tend to vary in the degree of severity of a lifetime. The types of obsessions and compulsions, you can also change with time. In general, the symptoms get worse when they are subjected to a greater stress, even in moments of transition and change. OCD , in general, is believed to be a lifelong disorder, can have mild to moderate symptoms, or be so severe and time-consuming that it becomes disabling.

When to see a doctor

There is a difference between being a perfectionist — someone who needs impeccable results or performance, and have OCD . OCD thoughts are not simply excessive worries about real problems in your life or to your liking to have things clean, or arranged in a specific way.

If your obsessions and compulsions affect your quality of life, see your doctor or mental health professional.

Causes

The cause of obsessive-compulsive disorder is not fully understood. Main theories are:

  • Biology. OCD may be due to the changes in your body's natural chemistry or brain functions.
  • Genetics. OCD may have a genetic component, but specific genes have not been found yet.
  • Learning. Obsessive fears and compulsive behaviors can be learned from the observation of the members of the family or of learning over time.

Risk factors

Factors that may increase the risk of causing the disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder include:

  • The history of the family. Having parents or other family members with the disorder can increase your risk of getting OCD .
  • Stressful life events. If you have gone through the traumatic or stressful events, your risk may increase. This reaction can cause intrusive thoughts, rituals, and emotional distress as seen in the TOC .
  • Other mental health disorders. OCD may be associated with other mental health disorders, such as anxiety disorders, depression, substance abuse, or tic disorders.

Complications

The problems due to a disorder obsessive-compulsive disorder include:

  • Excessive time spent taking part in ritualistic behaviors.
  • Health problems, such as contact dermatitis from frequent hand-washing.
  • Having a hard time going to work or to school or take part in social activities.
  • Conflicting relationships.
  • Poor quality of life.
  • Thoughts about suicide and the behavior related to the suicide.

Prevention

There is No sure way to prevent the disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, the treatment as soon as possible can help to maintain the OCD worse and the interruption of the activities and your daily routine.

Diagnosis

Steps to help diagnose the disorder obsessive-compulsive disorder may include:

  • The psychological evaluation. This includes talking about your thoughts, feelings, symptoms and behavior patterns to find out if you have any obsessions, or compulsive behaviors that get in the way of your quality of life. With your permission, this may include talking to your family or friends.
  • Physical exam. This may be done to rule out other problems that could cause the symptoms and check for any related complications.

Diagnostic challenges

Sometimes it is difficult to diagnose this disorder because the symptoms can be similar to those of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, anxiety disorders, depression, schizophrenia, or other mental health disorders. And it is possible to have OCD and other mental health disorder. Work with your doctor so that you can get the right diagnosis and treatment.

Treatment

Obsessive-compulsive disorder treatment may not result in a cure. But you can help bring symptoms under control so that it does not rule your daily life. Depending on the severity of your disorder, obsessive COMPULSIVE disorder, you may need to long-term, permanent, or more intensive treatment.

The two main types of treatment for OCD are psychotherapy and medications. Psychotherapy also known as talk therapy. Often, a combination of both treatments is most effective.

Psychotherapy

The cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), a type of psychotherapy that is effective for many people with OCD . Exposure and response prevention (ERP), a part of the therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, it is the exposure that, with time, to an object to be feared or obsession, such as dirt. Then, you can learn ways not to make their compulsive rituals. ERP takes effort and practice, but you can enjoy a better quality of life once you learn to manage your obsessions and compulsions.

Medications

Certain psychiatric medications can help control the obsessions and compulsions of OCD . Most commonly, antidepressants are tried first.

Antidepressants approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat OCD include:

  • Fluoxetine (Prozac) for adults and children 7 years of age and older.
  • Fluvoxamine (Luvox) for adults and children 8 years and older.
  • Paroxetine (Paxil) for adults only.
  • Sertraline (Zoloft) for adults and children 6 years of age and older.
  • Clomipramine (Anafranil) for adults and children 10 years and older.

However, your doctor may prescribe other antidepressants and psychiatric drugs.

Medicines: What you should consider

When you talk with your doctor about medications for obsessive-COMPULSIVE disorder , consider the possibility of:

  • The medicine of the selection. In general, the goal is to effectively control symptoms at the lowest dose possible. OCD can sometimes require higher doses of drugs to be the most effective in the control of their symptoms. It is not unusual to try several medications before finding one that works well. Your doctor may recommend more than one medication to effectively manage their symptoms. It can take weeks or months to get better after starting a medication for your symptoms.
  • The side effects. All psychiatric medications can have side effects. Talk with your doctor about the potential side effects and any type of health monitoring is necessary while you are taking psychiatric drugs. And let your doctor know if you have worrisome side effects.
  • The risk of suicide. Most antidepressants are generally safe, but the FDA requires that all antidepressants carry black box warnings. These are some of the strictest warnings for prescriptions. In some cases, children, teenagers, and young adults under 25 may have an increase in suicidal thoughts or behavior when taking antidepressants. This is especially true in the first few weeks after starting or when the dose is changed. If suicidal thoughts occur, contact your doctor or seek emergency help at once. Keep in mind that antidepressants are more likely to reduce suicide risk in the long term, making your mood better.
  • Interactions with other substances. When you first start taking an antidepressant, tell your doctor about any prescription drugs available without a prescription, herbal or other supplements that you take. Some antidepressants may cause some other medicines less effective and cause dangerous reactions when combined with certain medications, or herbal supplements.
  • Stop taking antidepressants. Antidepressants are not thought to be addictive, but sometimes physical dependence can occur. Stopping treatment suddenly or missing several doses may cause withdrawal-like symptoms. This is sometimes called discontinuation syndrome. Do not stop taking your medication without talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. You may have a relapse of the OCD symptoms. Work with your doctor to lower the dose safely over time.

Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of use of specific drugs.

Other treatment

Sometimes, psychotherapy, and medicine is not controlling the symptoms of OCD. In cases that do not respond to treatment, other options may be offered:

  • Intensive outpatient and residential treatment programs. Complete the treatment programs that stress ERP principles of therapy can help people with OCD struggle with the fact of being able to work because of the severity of their symptoms. These programs tend to last for several weeks.
  • Deep brain stimulation (DBS). The FDA has approved DBS for treating OCD in adults 18 years and older who do not respond to traditional treatment. DBS involves implanting electrodes within certain areas of your brain. These electrodes produce electrical impulses that can help to control the impulses that are not typical. DBS is not widely available, and it is rarely used.
  • Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). The FDA has approved three TMS devices — BrainsWay, MagVenture and NeuroStar — for the treatment of obsessive-COMPULSIVE disorder in adults. These devices are used when traditional treatment has not been effective. TMS does not require surgery. Uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to make the symptoms of OCD better. During a TMS session, an electromagnetic coil is placed against your scalp near your forehead. The coil produces a magnetic pulse that stimulates nerve cells in the brain.

If you are thinking of DBS or TMS , talk with your doctor to make sure that you understand all the pros and cons and the possible health risks.

Lifestyle and home remedies

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a chronic disease, which means that it can always be a part of your life. While a professional should treat OCD , you can do some things to build in your treatment plan:

  • Practice what you learn. Work with your mental health professional to identify methods to help manage the symptoms. The practice of these methods regularly.
  • Take your medicines as directed. Even if you feel well, do not stop taking your medicines. If it stops, the symptoms of OCD are likely to return.
  • Pay attention to the warning signs. You and your doctor have identified issues that may cause your symptoms of OCD. Make a plan so you know what to do if symptoms return. Contact your doctor or therapist if you notice any changes in symptoms or how you feel.
  • Check before you take any other medicines. In contact with the doctor that the treatment for OCD before you take medications prescribed by another doctor before you take any medicines available over the counter, vitamins, herbal remedies, or other supplements. This will help to reduce possible interactions.

Coping and support

Dealing with obsessive-compulsive disorder can be a challenge. Medications can have unwanted side effects, and you may feel embarrassed or mad that you have a condition that requires long-term treatment.

Here are some ways to help deal with OCD :

  • Learn aboutOCD. Learning about your condition can help you to follow your treatment plan.
  • Stay focused on your goals. Keep your recovery goals in mind, and remember that the recovery of the TOC is a continuous process.
  • Join a support group. Reaching out to others with similar problems can provide support and help you deal with the challenges.
  • Find healthy communication. Explore healthy ways to channel their energy, such as hobbies and recreational activities. Exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet and get adequate sleep.
  • Learn relaxation and stress management. In addition to professional treatment, stress management methods, such as meditation, visualization, muscle relaxation, massage, deep breathing, yoga or tai chi can relieve stress and anxiety.
  • Stick with your regular activities. Try not to avoid significant activities. To go to work or school as you normally would. Spending time with family and friends. Don't let OCD get in the way of your life.

Preparing for your appointment

You can start by seeing your primary care team. Because the disorder obsessive-compulsive disorder often requires specialized care, you need to see a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist.

What you can do

To prepare for your appointment, think about your needs and goals for treatment. Make a list of:

  • The symptoms that I have noticed, including the types of obsessions and compulsions that you've had and the things that you can stay away or stopped doing because of your anxiety.
  • Key personal information, including any major stresses, recent life changes and family members with similar symptoms.
  • All the drugs, vitamins, herbal remedies, or other supplements, as well as the dose.
  • Questions to ask your doctor or therapist.

Questions could include:

  • What I think I have OCD ?
  • How to treat OCD ?
  • How can therapy help me?
  • There are medications that could help?
  • It will be the exposure and response prevention therapy help?
  • How long will treatment take?
  • What can I do to help myself?
  • Are there brochures or other printed material I can have?
  • Can you recommend any websites?

Don't hesitate to ask any other questions during your appointment.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor may ask you some questions, such as:

  • Make certain thoughts go through your mind again and again even though I try to ignore them?
  • You do not have to have things ordered in a certain way?
  • You don't have to wash the hands, counting things, or see things again and again?
  • When did the symptoms begin?
  • The symptoms have been ongoing or once in a while?
  • What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
  • What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
  • How to make the symptoms affect your daily life? Do you stay away from any thing, because of your symptoms?
  • On a typical day, how much time will you spend in obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors?
  • Some of his relatives had a mental health disorder?
  • Have you had any trauma or stress important?

Your doctor or mental health professional will ask more questions based on your responses, symptoms, and needs. The preparation for questions like these will help you make the most of your appointment time.

Symptoms and treatment of Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)