In definition, we can say that obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by recurrent, persistent, unwanted thoughts, and impulses stuck in the mind, and by reiterative behaviors, these mental acts the person with OCD is forced to perform to calm or avoid the anxiety caused by the obsessions.
Many people think that this condition is unimportant and that persons who have it do not experience challenging circumstances because there is little education available on the subject today.
Recent studies have improved our understanding of the disorder and its causes. Experts believe that OCD is related to levels of a neurotransmitter known as "serotonin." Neurotransmitters are chemicals that carry signals to and from the brain. When the flow of serotonin is blocked, the brain's "alarm system" overreacts and misinterprets information. These "false alarms" trigger messages of danger by mistake. Instead of the brain filtering these messages, the mind emphasizes them and the person experiences unrealistic fears and doubts.
Learn More About OCD
OCD is not a disorder with a low frequency. According to the WHO, this disorder affects roughly 2% of the population and is one of the five most frequent psychiatric disorders. There is no significant gender difference in how it affects men and women.
The average age of onset. OCD commonly occurs in adulthood between the ages of 19 and 20, yet it can begin as early as 14 years old in 25% of instances. A child's compulsions are difficult to explain, and they frequently state that they do it "simply because." Children and adolescents find it difficult to explain the reasons for their compulsions, and often state that they perform them "just because." These children are attempting to relieve their anxieties by doing the routine. Perhaps they want to feel good, to feel secure, and to have nothing bad happen to them.
OCD is more than the obsession with cleanliness and compulsive hand washing. Some people may have a fear of contamination and an obsession with cleanliness as they focus on it, but there are many others who are focused on anything (really anything you can imagine can become obsessive for a person) with OCD, for example:
Verification. When they have pathological doubts, they check numerous times to try to stop the anxiousness that causes them to have any questions. These doubts appear most of the time about what they want to do (obsession) and they check to remove the doubt (compulsion).
Order and symmetry. They seek perfection, they look for order and control of everything so that nothing bad happens. Always in their thoughts something bad will happen if there is no order (obsession) so they keep everything in the same order that is right for them to prevent something bad from happening (compulsion).
Impulse phobia. They are invaded by thoughts that they may self-injure themselves as well as other people (obsession) because of this they stay away from people and avoid any situation to be safe (compulsion). They get to the point of not approaching anyone or any place to avoid any risky situation, whether to be next to a family member or avoid going up to the balcony of the apartment for the thought risk of falling.
Religious. They believe that doing good and praying constantly will prevent situations that may harm them from happening (obsession). They perform rites or acts in excess that their religion allows (compulsion). They are fully integrated into the cult and do not leave the temple; this incapacitates them from performing other activities of daily life.
Accumulation. The fear of losing things that they could use in the future (obsession) and for them is important, crowding the rooms of their home they can accumulate anything tools, dishes, containers of any kind, newspapers, can reach the point of endangering their health. Not getting rid of these is the (compulsion).
Relational. In this case, they have the belief that their partner is cheating on them with another person or that they do things that are not approved in their marriage or de facto union, they may think that they do not feel anything for that person because of the number of thoughts that invade them and create doubts about their partner (obsession), they may reach the point of wanting to have everything under their control to find some proof of infidelity (compulsion).
Can You Live With OCD?
Some people living with this disorder manage to have a daily life, as long as their ritual or compulsive behavior can take some hours of the day. Other people are affected in such a way that they become incapacitated and cannot leave the house or have a social life. To live with this disorder many people must take medications for a long time, many times it is so difficult for them that they get tired of doing it, they should always be in communication with their doctor since many of these medications cause some side effects which improve following some rules given by the professional.
There are support groups where people with OCD can share their experiences and learn how to deal with the disorder and treatments from one another. For persons suffering from this disorder, it is a vital choice and highly beneficial in recovery. There is always the possibility of relapse, which is why it is important to the support and love of the family, that they are always attentive to discussing with their family member with OCD the situation and can recognize it.
How do you know if you suffer from OCD and when you should consult a specialist?
Remember that the fact that you seek perfection or want to be an impeccable person does not mean that you suffer from this condition. The type of thoughts you must be experiencing must be excessive and your actions must be repetitive and may be affecting your daily life. If you repeat words or count numbers constantly, pray obsessively to try to avoid what you think may be wrong, have to go back many times to check if you have managed to complete the same action, wash your hands over and over again until you cause injury, these are just some of the situations to watch out for.
Many people with OCD find it difficult to recognize the signs of the disease and it is recommended that family members provide support and help them to recognize them. When these situations consume a large part of your daily life (more than an hour), they make you intensely distressed and prevent you from having relationships and you know that these situations are not due to the use of medication or to another condition from which you already suffer. Undoubtedly, you should seek professional help to guide you and help you through this difficult stage.