Have you ever been bombarded with thoughts that seem to over-power you and cause you to do something over and over again? It may be something as simple as constantly washing
Here is a helpful guide about obsessive-compulsive disorder and its management…
What is obsessive-compulsive disorder?
According to the National Institute Of Mental Health (NIMH); “Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a common, chronic, and long-lasting disorder in which a person has uncontrollable, reoccurring thoughts (obsessions) and/or behaviors (compulsions) that he or she feels the urge to repeat over and over.”
Many people without OCD have distressing thoughts or repetitive behaviors. However, these thoughts and behaviors do not typically disrupt daily life. For people with OCD, thoughts are persistent, and behaviors are rigid. Not performing the behaviors commonly causes great distress
Causes of obsessive-compulsive disorder
Mentioned below are a few causes of OCD but are not limited to these;
• Genetics: Although the inheritance pattern of OCD is blurred, there have been recorded cases of relatives developing the condition.
• Trauma/Abuse: An adult who was abused as a child might develop OCD. This also occurs in adults who experienced trauma and/or major illnesses.
• Other mental disorders: Mental issues like depression and anxiety have been said to trigger OCD in some individuals.
What OCD is not
• Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD): While individuals with OCPD share many similarities with OCD, they are not the same. People with OCD can sometimes feel distressed by the nature of their behaviors or thoughts, even if they are unable to control them. People with OCPD, however, typically believe that their actions have an aim and purpose.
– A person with OCPD gets angry when order isn’t in place, while the individual with OCD becomes anxious.
– A person with OCPD likes the life they’ve created and wouldn’t want to change it, while an individual with OCD isn’t particularly pleased but feels powerless.
• Being violent, exhibiting unlawful behavior, and difficulty with impulse management isn’t a direct result of OCD.
• OCD is not autism.
Different types of obsessive-compulsive disorders and symptoms
Although there are no officially specified types of OCD, research has revealed this disorder manifests majorly in 4 group classifications (behavioral patterns):
• Constantly inspecting
There’s always a need to check, double-check and keep on checking on things. These things vary from worrying continuously over security, like fussing over the alarm system, to Googling possible illness symptoms steadily.
• Germophobia
There’s a huge fear of dirt that’s unsettling and might disrupt the normal cycle of the individual’s daily routine. A person with obsessive-compulsive disorder may continue to wash their hands, even after it’s obviously clean. There are also accompanying thoughts where a person constantly feels dirty and dwells on these unsettling thoughts.
• Obsessed with order
As humans, there’s a basic need to enforce order around us for maximum functionality. A person suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder is obsessed with organization and would be in a state of unrest until an order is achieved. There’s a thin line between a perfectionist and individual suffering from OCD. While the former strives for flawlessness, the latter’s life tends to lose balance until order is restored.
• Always regurgitating meddling thoughts
We all have the tendency to brood on anxiety-triggering thoughts, however, an individual with OCD can brood on a particular line of disturbing thoughts until it affects their daily lives. The patient may find these thoughts uncontrollable.
• Postpartum OCD
In recent times, more light has been shed on the postpartum disorder: a case where a new mum becomes depressed and anxious rather than joyful. Also, research shows that 2 out of 8 new mums develop OCD as she may uncontrollably worry concerning her child’s safety.
How is it diagnosed?
Conducting an accurate diagnosis of OCD is complicated because the disorder shares similar symptoms with mental disorders like schizophrenia, depression, OPCD, and others.
Notwithstanding, OCD can be diagnosed through the methods below;
• Physical examination
• Psychological examination
• Your specialist may use standards in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association.
Treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder
There is still no cure for obsessive-compulsive disorder, but it can be managed through:
• Medication: Anti-anxiety, antipsychotic, and antidepressant medications.
• Therapy: Psychotherapy, behavioral therapy,
For best practice, a combination of both treatments has shown to be more effective.
Ways to cope with obsessive-compulsive disorder
#1. Knowledge
To better manage the disorder for yourself or a loved one, arm yourself with knowledge. Understand your symptoms and research effective ways to manage them.
#2. Relax your nerves
Coping with obsessive-compulsive disorder can be overpowering, take time out to focus on yourself. Stress and excessive work load would only worsen the situation. Implement activities that calm your nerves and take a well-needed break when necessary.
#3. Combat the raging desires
It might look like a person with OCD is helpless, but they are not. Attempting to suppress the urge to act on those thoughts might prove difficult initially, but they can get under control over time and even disappear. Start small by trying not to engage the disturbing thoughts and urges.
#4. Have a support system
This cannot be overemphasized. A strong support system may include a person, a group of persons, and/or a professional therapist. This is both for accountability and emotional support and has proved helpful in most cases.
#5. Avoid substance use
The use of alcohol and drugs might soften the reality of things but only temporarily. It’s best to avoid them entirely as they only worsen mental issues in the long run.
Remember: Rome wasn’t built in a day. There are bound to be unmet expectations in the journey to recovery. This shouldn’t be viewed as a failure, but rather as progress. Once you remain consistent and patient, the outcome would be rewarding.
Featured image: Anastasia Shuraeva | Pexels
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