Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is referred to as OCD. People who suffer from this illness have a pattern of unwanted thoughts, which prompts them to engage in repetitive behavior. These attitudes and actions are quite distressing. When attempting to suppress or stop unwelcome thoughts and compulsive behavior, anxiety and stress are exacerbated.
OCD symptoms
OCD symptoms are persistent, recurrent, and a source of tension and anxiety. For instance, a person with OCD is highly concerned about being extremely clean, and this concern gradually develops into an obsession and compulsion. The signs of OCD are detailed below:
- Fear of dirt or contamination
- Having doubts and having a hard time accepting uncertainties
- The compulsion for symmetry and order
- Thoughts of violence or dread that you’ll lose control and hurt yourself or others
- Unwanted ideas, such as those involving violence, sexuality, or religion
- Excessive aversion to touching other people or their possessions due to a fear of getting dirty or filth.
- Doubts that cause anxiety such as turning off the stove or a partner being unfaithful.
- Fear of using public restrooms, shaking hands, or touching doorknobs.
- Maintaining a rigorous schedule
- Requesting assurance
- Checking on something repeatedly.
- Counting or repeating a prayer in a certain pattern
OCD causes
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder’s precise root cause has not yet been established. However, some studies indicate that OCD may be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain and may possibly be inherited. The absence of connectivity between the frontal lobe and the brain’s deeper structures is the cause of OCD. This is brought on by a serotonin level imbalance. OCD is a disorder that can be passed down through genes and runs in families as well. A study found that compared to OCD which develops in adulthood, childhood OCD has a larger genetic influence.
What is the most common OCD behavior?
There are various types of OCD and the disorder differs in people. Below listed are the types of OCD in people:
1. Organization
This specific type of OCD is characterized by a craving for organization and order. They want everything arranged neatly and symmetrically. For instance, if a tiny pencil or pen is moved from its original position, they find it insufferable.
2. Contamination
The dread of obtaining germs or filth is the focus of this type of OCD. In order to prevent contamination, people with this condition constantly wash their hands and clean their belongings. They also avoid giving handshakes, hugs, or other forms of physical contact with individuals. They also avoid touching other people’s possessions out of concern that they might catch an illness from them.
3. Intrusive thoughts
This kind of disorder deals with disturbing thoughts that raise worry and fear. For instance, they have thoughts about severely injuring themselves, their loved ones, or others. They cry out loud or repeat things in their minds to get rid of these thoughts because it gives them a lot of anguish.
4. Checking
They have an obsession with checking on things. They frequently double-check the same things, such as whether they have locked the doors, turned off the stove, or have ongoing questions about their relationships since they are plagued by unending doubts.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy along with some drugs is the most effective OCD treatment offered by the healthcare professional. It is always recommended to visit your healthcare provider if you or your loved one exhibits any of the symptoms before they get worse.
