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Co morbidity in OCD

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Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is distressing in itself as it affects the individual’s thoughts and behaviour. Through years of studies it is also seen that most often OCD occurs with another mental illness. When an individual is diagnosed with two mental disorders it is known as co morbidity. And OCD is seen to have quite a few co morbid disorders. They might occur along side OCD, before or after OCD.

Here is a list of disorders that are usually seen co morbid with OCD:

  • Major depression disorder: It is a mood disorder characterized with sadness, low energy, low self esteem and confidence, insomnia and difficulty in concentration. Depression is one the most common disorder seen to occur with OCD. It might occur along with OCD or it can result as an effect of OCD. There is 41% chance of developing this disorder along with OCD.

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  • Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD): It is a disorder where one is preoccupied with one’s perceived flaws of their body (e.g., skin, face, and nose). However these flaws in question either do not exist or are exist but in a slight way to others but for individuals with BDD they see themselves as ugly and often are obsessed with their perceived defect. They would perform excessive repetitive behaviours as a result of their preoccupations with their defects like excessively grooming and checking their perceived deficits in mirrors.  
  • Anxiety disorders: Anxiety disorders characterized by excessive fear and worries and have high chances of occurring with OCD. Anxiety disorder like Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder and Social Anxiety Disorder show signs of excessive fear as well as behavioural disturbances. There is a 76% chance of developing this disorder along with OCD.
  • Psychotic disorders: The disorder is marked by poor insight and delusions also significantly seen in Magical Intrusive Thoughts a type in OCD. A psychotic disorder also may show obsessions and compulsions in response to their delusions and hallucinations. It might occur along with OCD or it can result as an effect of OCD. There is a 12% chance of developing this disorder along with OCD.
  • Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD): Even though this disorder does sound similar OCD their clinical manifestations are quite different. An individual could develop an OCPD if there is a marked disturbance in early childhood. OCPD is characterized by pervasive maladaptive pattern of excessive perfectionism and rigid control.
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Co morbid disorders are essential to be detected as it would make the treatment more effective. Once a co morbid disorder is detected the therapist will know how to go about the treatment. Being unknown or ignoring co morbid disorder would only hinder the initial treatment for OCD. Call us now for appointments with our mental health experts on +919611194949.

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