This is a chronic condition characterized by the uncontrollable, reoccurring thoughts and behaviors that the individual feels the need to repeat again and again. Obsessions are the thoughts or images that occur over and over again which may be disturbing. Obsessions are usually accompanied by the intense feelings such as fear or doubt. Compulsions are the second part of the disorder that is the repetitive behaviors or thoughts the person uses to counteract the obsessive thoughts. Individuals may normally have obsessive and compulsive thoughts at some point in their lives, but when it affects the normal routines or life and consumes a lot of their time, a diagnosis may be considered.
Causes
The exact cause of this is not known although a number of factors have been associated with it. This includes a family history of OCD, differences in the brain like the low levels of certain chemicals called serotonin and individuals with high personal standards. Also, certain life events such as bullying, neglect, abuse or bereavement can also contribute to the development of OCD.
Symptoms
Some of the common symptoms of OCD is the fear of germs or contamination, aggressive thoughts towards others or self, unwanted taboo thoughts of sex or harm and obsessed with having things in perfect order. The compulsions are the repetitive behaviors an individual feels in response to the obsessive thought. Some of the common compulsions include excessive hand washing, arranging things in a particular way, checking on things such as repeatedly ensuring the door is locked and compulsive counting. OCD is consider when an individual is unable to control their thoughts or behaviors even when they can recognize them as excessive, spends at least an hour a day on the obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors, may feel brief relief from the anxiety caused by the obsessive thoughts and experiences a significant problems that interferes with their everyday life.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is based on a physical examination to rule out other problems, a psychological evaluation and lab tests. The psychological evaluation is based on the thoughts, symptoms and the behavior patterns of the individual. The diagnostic criteria for OCD are based on the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders that is published by the American Psychiatric Association. The laboratory tests may also involve a complete blood count and to assess the thyroid function.
Treatment
This is a treatable condition which can involve psychological therapy and medications. For those mildly affected, a short course of therapy may be beneficial and the severe condition needs longer course of therapy and/or medications. The psychological therapy involves working with the therapist to break down the problems and encouraging the individual to face the fear by letting the obsessive thoughts to be present and then learning to decrease and gradually stop the compulsive behaviors.
References
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd/index.shtml
https://iocdf.org/about-ocd/how-is-ocd-diagnosed/
