Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental illness characterized by recurrent unwanted thoughts or sensations (obsessions) or the desire to repeat a behavior (compulsions). Obsessions and compulsions can coexist in some people.
OCD isn’t about bad habits like nail biting or negative thinking. The idea that certain numbers or colours are “good” or “bad” is a common obsessive thought. After touching something potentially dirty, a compulsive habit might be to wash your hands seven times. You feel powerless to stop thinking or doing these things, even if you don’t want to.
People with OCD have uncontrollable, repetitive fears or urges. These obsessive thoughts are extremely stressful.
People with OCD use certain behaviours, rituals, or routines to control their obsessions and anxiety. They keep doing it. They don’t enjoy these compulsive behaviours and don’t want to engage in them. However, they believe they must follow along or their anxiety will worsen. However, compulsions only provide temporary relief. Obsessions return quickly, triggering a return to compulsions. A constant cycle of anxiety results from this loop.
What factors contribute to obsessive-compulsive disorder?
Scientists are baffled as to what causes OCD. Certain factors or events may increase a person’s risk of developing OCD or trigger an episode of the disorder:
- Moving, getting married or divorced, or starting a new school or job are all examples of changes in living situations.
- A loved one’s death or another emotional trauma
- History of Abuse.
- Illness (if you get the flu, for example, you may start a cycle of obsessing about germs and washing compulsively) (if you get the flu, for example, you may start a cycle of obsessing about germs and washing compulsively).
- Low levels of serotonin, a brain chemical that helps maintain mental equilibrium.
- Overactivity in certain parts of the brain.
- Workplace or school issues
- An important relationship is having issues.
What are the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder?
Obsessions and compulsions that interfere with normal activities are symptoms of OCD. Symptoms, for example, can make it difficult to get to work on time. You might also have trouble getting ready for bed in a timely manner. A person with OCD may be aware of their problem but unable to overcome it.
What are examples of obsessive thoughts?
Obsessions are intrusive ideas that generate a lot of anxiety.
- Fear of Dirt or Germs
- Fear of injuring another person.
- Fear of making a blunder.
- Fear of being humiliated in front of others.
- Feelings of scepticism or disdain
- Order, neatness, symmetry, or perfection is desired.
- Need for constant reassurance.
- Sexual thoughts that society would find offensive.
What are examples of compulsive behaviors?
Compulsions are behaviours taken in order to alleviate oneself of obsessions or distress. Some examples are:
- Putting things in a very exact order, such as on your dresser.
- Repeated bathing, cleaning, or hand-washing.
- Repeatedly inspecting certain items, such as a lock or a stove.
- Accumulating or hoarding items of no personal or financial worth.
- Constantly checking to make sure you haven’t hurt anyone.
- While performing other chores, counting or uttering certain words or prayers constantly.
- Food must be consumed in a precise order.
- Refusing to shake hands or touch objects that are frequently touched by other people.
- Performing a task a set number of times, for as seven times while switching a light switch.
Tics are quick, abrupt, repeated motions or actions that people with OCD may have.
- Their eyes blinked.
- Their head jerks.
- Their shoulders shrugged.
- They are sniffling or clearing their throat.