OCD

Persistent thoughts and ideas lead to undesirable habits and behaviors in OCD sufferers, which, if unfulfilled, can be extremely distressing for the sufferer. Common actions that can seriously disrupt a person's everyday tasks and social interactions include cleaning, hand washing, and checking in on objects.

Obsessions

Unwanted ideas, pictures, or thoughts that cause great distress are known as obsessions. OCD sufferers are aware that these thoughts are excessive byproducts of their minds and do not wish to experience them. Time-consuming obsessions can interfere with significant activities that the person values. Obsessions with symmetry or accuracy, excessive attention on religious or moral concepts, or excessive worries about contamination or harm are examples of common obsessions.

Compulsions

Compulsions are habitual actions or rituals that a person feels compelled to carry out because of an obsession. The goal of this activity is to avoid or lessen discomfort or a circumstance that is frightening. Compulsions include, for instance:

I. Cleaning

The individual can worry that they or a loved one could become ill as a result of pollution. Washing, cleaning, or avoiding something that is thought to be contaminated are frequent compulsions.

II. Repeating

Repetition could aid in the person's anxiety relief. The individual might say a name, a word, or carry out an action multiple times.

III. Checking

the necessity of regularly inspecting items—like stoves, door locks, and keys—to avoid injury, damage, fires, or leaks. Before leaving their home, some individuals establish routines for checking.

IV. Ordering and arranging

Some people would put items in a particular order and arrangement to ease discomfort. They might symmetrically organize things or place things in a specific order.

Treatment

At Psychiatry Associates, we discover that the best course of treatment for OCD in both adults and children is a mix of counseling and medication. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), and problem-solving therapy are examples of different types of treatment. Depending on the severity of the condition, each patient will have different medication needs.

Are you or does your child have any queries about OCD? To find out more, make an appointment with Psychiatry Associates.