Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by uncontrollable, unwanted thoughts and repetitive, ritualized behaviours one feels compelled to perform. The thoughts are intrusive in nature, unpleasant and distressing which causes uneasiness, apprehension, fear, or worry. The repetitive behaviours are aimed at reducing the associated anxiety.
To understand OCD better, Obsessions and Compulsions have to be understood clearly –
Obsessions are involuntary, seemingly uncontrollable thoughts, images, or impulses that occur over and over again in your mind. You feel you don’t have the choice to control your thoughts and ideas. Unfortunately, these obsessive thoughts are often disturbing and distracting.
Compulsions are behaviour or rituals that you feel driven to act out again and again. Usually, compulsions are performed in an attempt to make obsessions go away. For example, if you’re afraid of contamination, you might develop elaborate cleaning rituals. However, the relief never lasts. In fact, the obsessive thoughts usually come back stronger. And the compulsive behaviours often end up causing anxiety themselves as they become more demanding and time-consuming.
The categories under which most people suffering from OCD fall under are as follows:
The biological framework pinpoints the focus on a circuit in the brain which regulates primitive aspects of our behaviour such as aggression, sexuality, and bodily excretions. This can be one of the causes of OCD. When the brain has difficulty turning off or ignoring impulses from this circuit, it can lead to OCD.
Cognitive-behavioural theories attribute the reason as if you are vulnerable to OCD you are unable to ignore bizarre thoughts. The need to control these thoughts becomes important to you, leading to compulsive behaviour.
Psychodynamic theories suggest that obsessions and compulsions are signs of unconscious conflict that you might be trying to suppress, resolve or cope with.
Most people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have both obsessions and compulsions, but some people experience just one or the other.
OCD signs and symptoms: Obsessive thoughts
Common obsessive thoughts in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) include:
Treatment options for obsessive compulsive disorder include Cognitive-behavioural therapy which focuses on two main approaches namely –
There are four key steps for dealing with OCD. These include –
While many people associate OCD with excessive tidiness or cleanliness, the illness is much beyond it.
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PhotosOCD: Know your own compulsions
Deep brain stimulation can be the answer for severe OCD patients. Read on to know all about this surgical procedure and much more.
If your child displays an extreme obsession with cleanliness and an urge to prevent themselves from germs, dirt or illness at an early age, it could be a sign of OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder).
Our own internal barriers curb our freedom more than the external factors. This is even more true for people with obsessive compulsive disorder. They are bound by their own compulsions. This 15th August, we try to help them to emancipate themselves from those shackles. Happy Independence Day!
Yes, the new study has revealed why do you see a negative side of a situation than the possible benefits.
In men, the onset is usually earlier, and the manic episodes are more severe.
People with OCD realize that it may be a false alarm, yet are not able to ignore it, as the alarm is associated with negative thoughts and excessive anxiety.
Ritualistic behaviors are very time consuming and can take a real toll on the person suffering from them.
For those who don't know, OCD is medical condition that calls for both- obsession and compulsion.
There should be a better understanding of the fear of guilt when treating people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), suggests a research.
A new study has revealed that obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) sufferers need to adopt adaptive coping skills.
People who go to bed late appear to have less control over their obsessive thoughts.
42-year-old autistic & epileptic patient, Pamela Mehra, underwent a rare brain surgery, deep brain stimulation at Jaslok Hospital.
Do you always think about eating healthy? You could have a problem.
PhotosLet us see, how much OCD do you have?
PhotosClick if you just want some happiness.
People with anxiety disorders often refuse or drop out of therapies as it makes them weak and infirm, says a study.
Researchers found that brain scans can predict who responds best to certain treatment for OCD in the long term.
Alternative medicines such as herbal remedies are gaining popularity in western countries for treatments for anxiety disorders such as OCD. Here are some herds known to help manage the OCD symptoms.
Many social media users have come forward to complain about symptoms of trypophobia after the recent launch of the new Apple iPhone 11 series. Read on to know about this condition.
Keeping your feelings to yourself may not be the right thing to do if you want to have peace of mind. Read on to know more about internalising behaviour.
People who follow a meat-free diet may actually have a higher risk of stroke than those who eat meat. Read on to know the health risks of a vegetarian diet.
Research reveals that depression, anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder can trigger ideas of suicide in pre-adolescent age group.
Deep brain stimulation can be the answer for severe OCD patients. Read on to know all about this surgical procedure and much more.
If your child displays an extreme obsession with cleanliness and an urge to prevent themselves from germs, dirt or illness at an early age, it could be a sign of OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder).
Our own internal barriers curb our freedom more than the external factors. This is even more true for people with obsessive compulsive disorder. They are bound by their own compulsions. This 15th August, we try to help them to emancipate themselves from those shackles. Happy Independence Day!
Yes, the new study has revealed why do you see a negative side of a situation than the possible benefits.
In men, the onset is usually earlier, and the manic episodes are more severe.
People with OCD realize that it may be a false alarm, yet are not able to ignore it, as the alarm is associated with negative thoughts and excessive anxiety.
Ritualistic behaviors are very time consuming and can take a real toll on the person suffering from them.
For those who don't know, OCD is medical condition that calls for both- obsession and compulsion.
There should be a better understanding of the fear of guilt when treating people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), suggests a research.
A new study has revealed that obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) sufferers need to adopt adaptive coping skills.
People who go to bed late appear to have less control over their obsessive thoughts.
42-year-old autistic & epileptic patient, Pamela Mehra, underwent a rare brain surgery, deep brain stimulation at Jaslok Hospital.
Do you always think about eating healthy? You could have a problem.
People with anxiety disorders often refuse or drop out of therapies as it makes them weak and infirm, says a study.
Researchers found that brain scans can predict who responds best to certain treatment for OCD in the long term.
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PhotosOCD: Know your own compulsions
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