Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Hi,

I am Dr. Anjali Karira, Psychiatrist, Mumbai. Today I will talk to you on OCD. What comprises in this disorder. From the name itself, it comprises 2 things: Obsession and compulsion. So, what are obsessions? It is recurring, uncontrollable, thoughts, images or urges. It causes extreme distress to the person. It includes excessive thought of fear of germs, contamination, unrelated thoughts related to religion, sex. Another thing to have everything in perfect symmetry and order. Now, what are compulsions? This causes repetitive behavior that a person feels irresistible and has to indulge in response to the obsessive thoughts. This can offer slight relief from the obsessive thoughts.

Common compulsion can include excessive hand wash and cleaning, arranging things properly, repeatedly counting things while doing certain tasks. Repetitive checking of doors, gas or the windows. Normally, the patients ask what is the difference between OCD and normal behavior. OCD causes extreme anxiety. The person recognizes it unreasonable but still finds difficult on controlling these thoughts. Also, this disorder interferes with a person's work life, academic life, and personal life. A person finds difficult to go through with daily activities. Also, a person will spend a large amount of time in getting indulge in these thoughts. OCD can also cause depression or anxiety. Usually, OCD begins in childhood or adolescence and progresses till midlife. Now common cause includes genetic and biological causes. Stress can also worsen the symptoms of OCD. Now, what are the treatment options for OCD?

The treatment has progressed in the past few years. Now medicines are used to control the neurological imbalance in the brain. It helps the person to get rid of obsessive thoughts. And also helps the patients to control the behavior to a large extent. Medicines can also help in controlling depressive symptoms. Now the other mode of therapy which called as psychotherapy or counseling is equally important in the treatment of OCD. We can help the patient in learning different techniques to reduce not only the obsessive thoughts. Last but not least, the psychoeducation of the patient and the family member is equally important in the treatment mode. This helps in removing any myths related to the illness. It is very important to understand that the patient is unable to control these thoughts. So, this is important to understand the patient. Hope this information was useful.

Thank You!