Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): what it is, causes, symptoms and treatment

There are many people, who in recent years have been diagnosed with OCD, a disorder that has very particular characteristics and that seems to generate more and more cases. We talk to you in detail below about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): what it is, causes, symptoms and treatment.

What is it? TOC?

Have you ever checked two or more times if you closed the gas before leaving the house? Or have you closed the house door several times to make sure it is locked? If your answer is no, there is a need to be alarmed.

People with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD ) feel the need to control things over and over again or to have thoughts of continuous execution as if they were routine or even ritual. The thoughts and rituals associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder cause discomfort. Sometimes they can become untenable for everyday life.

Frequent disturbing thoughts are called obsessions. To try to control them, a person feels the need to repeat some rituals or behaviors called compulsions. People with obsessive-compulsive disorder can not control these obsessions and compulsions . Most of the times it is the rituals that end up controlling the individual.

For example, if people are obsessed with germs or dirt, they can develop a ritual like washing their hands over and over again . If they develop an obsession with intruders, they can close and close doors many times before going to bed.

Social phobia and social anxiety can often lead people to comb their hair compulsively. to a mirror. Sometimes they are literally "caught" by the mirror so much that they can not get away from it. The execution of such rituals is not pleasant . In the best case, it produces a temporary relief of the anxiety created by obsessive thoughts.

Rituals common in the TOC

Other common rituals are the need to review things repeatedly , touch things (especially in a particular sequence) or tell things. Some common obsessions include having frequent thoughts of violence and hurting loved ones or having thoughts that are forbidden by religious beliefs. People with obsessive-compulsive disorder may also worry about order and symmetry, have difficulty throwing things (to accumulate) or to accumulate unnecessary items.

Even healthy people have rituals, how to check if the oven shuts off several times before leaving home. The difference is that people with this disorder perform their rituals with somber repetitions, and interfere in daily life. Although most adults with OCD recognize that what they are doing is meaningless, some adults and most children do not realize that their behavior is out of the ordinary.

What are the causes of OCD

Several studies indicate that there is no specific cause that generates OCD, although the disease is related to psychology, so that something of this we can point out.The symptoms may appear and disappear, and be more or less severe. If the obsessive-compulsive disorder becomes severe, it can even force the affected person to leave work or leave. People with DOC can try to help themselves; they avoid the situations that trigger their obsessions, and they can also resort to the use of alcohol or drugs to calm themselves down.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder can be accompanied by eating disorders, other anxiety disorders or depression.

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First, you should contact your doctor, who must perform an exam to verify that another physical problem is not the cause of the symptoms. Your doctor can refer you to a mental health specialist.

Among the OCD symptom summaries we have:

• Repeated thoughts
• Repeated rituals
• They do not control thoughts
• They do not feel pleasure in their obsession
• Eating disorder
• Depression

Treatment for OCD

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is usually treated with psychotherapy, medication or both.

Psychotherapy

A type of psychotherapy called cognitive-behavioral therapy is particularly useful for the treatment of the disorder obsessive compulsive. Le teaches the person to think in different ways. Behave and react to situations that help them overcome anxieties, obsessive behaviors and fears.

Drug treatment

Doctors can also prescribe medications to help treat OCD. The most commonly prescribed medications for obsessive-compulsive disorder are anti-anxiety drugs and antidepressants . Anti-anxiety medications are powerful and there are several types. Many begin to take effect immediately, but side effects during long periods can also be serious.

Antidepressants are used to treat depression, but they are also particularly indicated for obsessive compulsive disorder. It seems to be more effective than anti-anxiety medications. It may take several weeks before they take effect. Side effects of these medications can cause headaches, nausea or sleep disturbances.

Side effects for most people do not cause serious problems, especially if the doses they are initially of low concentration. It is almost mandatory to talk to the doctor about the option of taking this type of medication and ask about the possible side effects to which it is directed.

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