What is OCD? Know the symptoms, causes and remedies

OCD is a disorder in which people have repetitive, unwanted thoughts or sensations. They feel driven to do something repeatedly to get rid of the thoughts (compulsions). Repetitive behaviors such as washing hands, cleaning things, and mental or other activities can significantly interfere with a person’s daily activities and social interactions. People with OCD do not want to have these thoughts and they find them very distressing. In many cases, people know that these thoughts do not make any sense. Obsessions are usually accompanied by intense and uncomfortable feelings such as fear, doubt, or resentment.

Symptoms of OCD

obsessive thoughts

Obsessions in OCD are intrusive thoughts or mental images that cause intense anxiety. People with OCD cannot control these thoughts. Most people with OCD realize that these thoughts are illogical or irrational.

• Fear of coming into contact with contaminated substances such as germs and dirt.
• Fear of harming yourself or someone else.
• Fear of making a mistake.
• Excessive concern for ethics.
• Feelings of suspicion or hatred.
• The need for order, neatness, symmetry, or perfection.
• The need for order, neatness, symmetry, or perfection.

Compulsive Behavior

Compulsions in OCD are repetitive actions that you feel you have to do to reduce or get rid of an obsession. OCD sufferers don’t want to perform compulsive behaviors because they don’t bring them pleasure.

• Arranging things in a particular way, such as the items on your dresser.
• Frequent washing of hands, cleaning or bathing. Using excessive products to hide body odour.
• Collecting or hoarding items that have no personal or financial value.
• Frequently checking things like locks, switches and doors.
• Repetitive physical activities such as getting up from a chair.
• Collecting things like newspapers.
• Asking the same question or saying the same thing over and over again.
• Arranging things in a particular way, such as the items on your dresser.
• Arranging things in a particular way, such as the items on your dresser.

It’s common for children with OCD to repeat tasks until they feel right — such as going in and out of doors over and over, going up and down stairs, or arranging things in a particular way, such as items on your dresser.

Causes of OCD

Genetics

If your parent or other family member has OCD, you may also develop the disorder. About 10-20% of children whose parents have OCD will also develop the disorder.

Brain changes

People with OCD have differences in the frontal cortex and subcortical structures of the brain. OCD is also linked to other neurological conditions that affect the same areas of your brain, including Parkinson’s disease, Tourette syndrome, and epilepsy.

PANDAS Infections

Some children develop OCD symptoms after a streptococcal infection (sometimes called PANS or PANDAS).

What is the solution for OCD?

The most common treatment plan for OCD includes psychotherapy and medication.

Psychotherapy for OCD

Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, is a term for a variety of treatment techniques that aim to help you identify and change unhealthy feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. There are several types of psychotherapy. The most common and effective approaches for OCD are:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

During CBT a therapist will help you examine and understand your thoughts and feelings. Over several sessions, CBT can help you change harmful thought patterns and stop negative habits, replacing them with healthier ways of coping.

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

ERP is a type of CBT. A therapist exposes you to your feared situations or images. Asks you to resist the urge to do something compulsively.

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For example, your therapist may ask you to touch dirty objects but then prevent you from washing your hands. 

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT helps you learn to accept obsessive thoughts as just thoughts, thereby taking away their power. An ACT therapist will help you learn to live a meaningful life despite your OCD symptoms.

Medication for OCD

Medications called serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs), selective SRIs (SSRIs), and tricyclic antidepressants may help treat OCD. Healthcare providers often recommend SSRIs for OCD and prescribe doses that are higher than those prescribed for anxiety and depression. Drug Names.

• fluoxetine
• Fluvoxamine
• Paroxetine
• Sertraline

Frequently asked questions about OCD

What is the full form of OCD?

The full form of OCD is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

Can OCD be cured permanently?

No, there is no cure for OCD, but it can be controlled and quality of life can be improved.

How many days does it take for an OCD patient to take effect of the medication?

After taking OCD medication, modest improvements are usually seen after 8–12 weeks. Maximum benefits are only seen after 12 weeks, and may take up to 6 months.

How many types of OCD are there?

There are four types of OCD, contamination/washing, doubt/checking, order/system, and unacceptable/forbidden thoughts.

How does OCD affect the brain?

Areas of the brain that affect the ability to control behavior and emotional responses.

In how many days can OCD be cured?

People with OCD require at least one year of treatment to recover.