What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?

OCD is a mental illness influenced by intrusive thoughts that are repetitive and that provoke the individual to do the same or similar actions repeatedly. Obsession with order and symmetry, compulsively checking the same thing repeatedly, and uncontrollable urges that are common signs of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Nearly 2% of the population in the country suffers from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and it’s commonly seen in individuals living with other mental health conditions.

If you’re looking for comprehensive treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder, Cadabam’s is the flagship mental health service provider that takes a holistic approach in addressing several mental health conditions and the underlying factors. The pioneer in the nation’s mental health domain offers a complete line of treatments and techniques that are thoughtfully devised to eliminate the causes, symptoms, and effects of numerous types of mental health disorders.

What are Compulsions and Obsessions?

Obsessions and compulsions are powerful and can disturb the individual’s mind, causing stress and anxiety. These two concepts vary among individuals, and different individuals take it in various ways. It can be in the form of insecurities, recounting specific objects, rechecking specific things, etc. Obsessions that cause anxiety in individuals who perform certain tasks repeatedly for temporary relief include:

• Counting the number of breaths or the number of times one blinks, in a minute
• Suspecting partners for adultery or other unpleasant activities without valid reasons
• Washing hands repeatedly, especially every time after touching a doorknob, a handle, or any specific object
• Extreme fear of being victimized
• An obsession with perfection, symmetry, or an orderly outlook
• Displaying extremely or excessively standards of cleanliness and holding grudges against someone not matching to their level

The above obsessions can hamper the individual’s personal and professional relationships and can lead to severe mental distress, leaving no room for logical thinking.

Compulsions are actual physical or mental actions performed by the individual suffering from OCD to justify the obsession. These actions are:

• Hoarding
• Excessive washing or cleaning
• Excessive fear of certain objects or certain situations
• Excessive praying or making too many offerings to God

Causes of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

For understanding OCD in detail, it’s important to understand the causes of this mental health condition. They can be neurobiological factors, stress, environmental factors, and genetics. Genetic factors have a strong influence signifying that it’s over three times more likely that a person suffering from this disorder has a family member living with the same condition.

Work-related stress and strict parenting influences this disorder, significantly. Chemical imbalances in the brain that send messages to other parts of the body are also responsible.

Symptoms of OCD

The most common symptoms of OCD are:

• Recurrence of unwanted thoughts and ideas
• Aggressive and impulsive behavior
• Fear of contamination
• Constantly checking or counting things
• Repeatedly washing, cleaning, wiping, etc.
• Repeatedly arranging things in a certain way
• Extreme fear of getting hurt by someone

Assisting Someone Living with OCD

The effective tips to offer help to someone suffering from OCD include:

• Recognize the signs and symptoms not as their personality traits
• Build a supportive environment and be patient and kind
• Ensure positive and clear communication
• Support them but not their rituals or habits
• Don’t let OCD get the better of your family life
• Encourage them to take prescribed medications

Treatment and OCD Help

Knowing the treatments that are available is a vital part of understanding OCD and its symptoms. While OCD is a chronic disorder, it’s a treatable medical condition. There are specific therapies designed to help people manage and stop their compulsive behaviors and obsessive thoughts.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is an advanced psychotherapy technique that encourages sufferers to explore and adopt alternative ways of thinking patterns, challenge their thoughts, and make permanent alterations via a range of behavioral exercises.

Why Choose Cadabam’s?

Cadabam’s Hospitals is one of the leading mental health care, psycho-social rehabilitation centers. For more than three decades, we have helped countless people with different types of mental health issues. Our large and multispecialty team consists of experienced psychiatrists, counselors, psychologists, and other specialists who work together to deliver patients the best treatment and a personalized experience. At Cadabam’s Hospitals, we care for you. Contact us today for more information. Call us at +91 97414 76476 and take the first step towards treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

FAQs:

What are OCD triggers?

OCD usually occurs due to hereditary and genetic factors. The triggers are chemical, structural, and functional abnormalities that are present in the brain. Additionally, the patient will experience distorted beliefs that enhance and maintain the existing OCD symptoms.

Can OCD be cured on its own?

There is no cure for OCD because it is a chronic condition. However, with consistent and relevant treatment procedures you can identify the triggers and control the symptoms, so that you can live a stable life.

What happens when OCD is left untreated?

If the OCD symptoms are left untreated or ignored, they can get severe over time and manifest into physical problems. This includes dire consequences like thinking about or attempting suicide. 

Disclaimer:

We strive to treat our patients with dignity and utmost sensitivity. We understand that Obsessive-Compulsive disorder is a mental health disorder and that it is not a sign of weakness. In case you or your loved ones are struggling with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and share a unique viewpoint on how we can improve this content for our readers, please reach out to us at info@cadabamshospitals.com.