Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is defined by the recurrence and persistence of unpleasant thoughts and urges. Repetitive acts are mental activities that a person with OCD must undertake in order to soothe or avoid the distress caused by their obsessions.
OCD is not only characterized by behaviors such as nail biting or negative thinking. Certain numbers or colors may be deemed "good" or "bad" by an obsessive mindset. An obsessive behavior could consist of washing one's hands seven times after touching potentially unsanitary objects. Although you may not wish to think or act in these ways, you feel helpless to stop yourself.
Recent research has enhanced our comprehension of the disease and its causes. Experts believe that the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin are related to OCD. Neurotransmitters are molecules that transfer signals between the brain and the outside world. The brain's alarm system misinterprets information and overreacts when serotonin flow is disturbed. These alarms accidentally transmit warning signals. Instead of filtering these messages, the mind exaggerates them, causing the individual to experience irrational fears and doubts.
Obsessions and Compulsions
Many people with OCD are aware that their thoughts and behaviors are illogical. They do things not because they enjoy them, but because they are unable to stop. And if they quit, they feel so terrible that they resume.
Obsessions
The content of obsessive thoughts can vary widely, but a few common themes include:
· worries about germs, dirt, or illness
· fears of injuring oneself or another
· anxieties about saying something inappropriate or obscene
· a desire for possessions to be aligned, symmetrical, or in order
· explicit sexual or violent thoughts
· concerns about discarding away items
· doubts about your sexual orientation or wants
· health and safety concerns for oneself or loved ones
· invasive pictures, words, or noises
Compulsions
Examples of compulsive behaviors in OCD include:
· washing your hands, objects, or body
· organizing or aligning objects in a specific way
· counting or repeating specific phrases
· touching something a set number of times
· seeking reassurance from others
· collecting certain objects or buying multiple of the same items
· hiding objects you could use to hurt yourself or someone else
· mentally reviewing your actions to ensure you have not harmed anyone else.
5 Forms of OCD
OCD comes in many forms, but most cases fall into at least one of 5 general categories:
1. Verification.
Checking repeatedly when they have pathological doubts in an effort to stop the distress that uncertainty provides them. The majority of the time, they have doubts about what they want to do (obsession), and they check to eliminate the uncertainties (compulsion).
2. Order and symmetry.
Order and symmetry. They strive for perfection and want order and control over everything so that nothing negative occurs. Always in their minds, something horrible will occur if there is no order (obsession), thus they keep everything in the correct sequence for them to avoid something bad from occurring (compulsion).
3. Impulse phobia.
They are preoccupied with concerns that they may self-injure and harm others (obsession); as a result, they avoid individuals and situations in order to protect themselves (compulsion). They reach the point when they avoid approaching anyone or anywhere in order to avoid any potentially dangerous situation, whether it be a family member or the balcony of their apartment due to the fear of falling.
4. Religious.
They think ongoing good deeds and prayer will prevent potentially harmful occurrences (obsession). They execute rituals or actions beyond what their religion permits (compulsion). The fact that they are entirely incorporated into the cult and never leave the temple prevents them from engaging in other daily activities.
5. Accumulation.
The worry of losing items that they may need in the future (obsession) is crucial to them; as a result, they may collect tools, dishes, containers of any type, and newspapers to the point where it endangers their health. Not eliminating these is the (compulsion).
Living with OCD
There is no cure for OCD, but expert treatment and a variety of coping skills can help you manage your symptoms and reduce or eliminate their impact on your daily life. Getting assistance from a therapist with experience with OCD can go a long way toward reducing stress and enhancing your general quality of life.
With professional assistance, it is often feasible to acquire new tactics for managing OCD symptoms and challenging undesired thought patterns. Therapists can also provide assistance with the following other coping strategies:
· breathing exercises
· meditation and mindfulness practices
· establishing a routine for self-care
· communicating with loved ones
It may be challenging to discuss your OCD with the people in your life and there is no need to do so until you feel comfortable doing so. However, isolating oneself rarely improves the situation.
What Therapists May Do
Individualized treatment will likely include both medication and psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is regarded as the most effective treatment for OCD. CBT is a form of psychotherapy that examines the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
A therapist will assist you in modifying your ideas to influence your behavior. Exposure and response prevention (ERP or EX/RP) is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in which the therapist gradually exposes you to something you fear to strengthen your coping skills. Through additional exposure and practice, you will obtain greater response control.
In therapy, people may learn:
· how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors affect each other
· how OCD is similar to a 'brain trick' that makes it seem as though horrible things will occur if rituals are not performed
· that performing ritual keeps OCD strong
· that not performing rituals weaken OCD
But even when a person with OCD is aware of this, it is difficult to just avoid doing rituals. Therefore, counseling provides skills such as:
· coping and calming techniques for anxiety
· how to deal with anxious thoughts
· how to safely face phobias
· how to prevent engaging in rituals
People exercise these skills in treatment. They confront their concerns individually and without rituals. This can initially feel strange but with repetition, it becomes much simpler. The more OCD individuals reject rituals, the more their anxious thoughts might subside. Brain activity can alter for the better as a person develops new abilities.
Hospitalization may be beneficial if you are in danger of self-harm, have delusional thinking, or have psychosis owing to other disorders.
REFERENCES:
www.healthline.com/health/ocd/types-of-ocd#symptoms