What it is?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a category of mental disorders that can affect not only adults, but also children. It is characterized by the appearance of:
- Obsessive thoughts and specific behavior in character. Otherwise it is called obsession. They are repeated with regularity, and no one is able to control them and cope with them on their own.
- Actions that are quite tiresome are compulsions. They are compulsive actions and manipulations of behavior or thoughts that are repetitive in nature. They are a kind of response to obsessions, since by performing certain rituals, the patient relieves a high level of anxiety for a short period of time (as if he calms down).
Intrusive thoughts and compulsive behavior
Intrusive thoughts are involuntary thoughts, images or impulses that appear in your mind over and over again. You don't want to think about them, but you can't stop them. Unfortunately, these intrusive thoughts are often disturbing and distracting.
Compulsions are behaviors or rituals that you repeat over and over again. They are usually performed in an attempt to get rid of an obsession. For example, if you are afraid of pollution, you can develop complex rituals. However, the relief never lasts long. In fact, obsessive thoughts usually return with renewed vigor. Both rituals and behaviors often end up causing anxiety themselves as they become more demanding and time-consuming. It's a vicious circle.
Most people with this disorder fall into one of the following categories:
- Those who wash everything and are afraid of contamination. It is common for them to have cleaning or hand washing.
- Those who repeatedly check things (stove off, door closed, etc.) that they associate with potential harm or danger.
- Those who are afraid that if everything is not perfect or done correctly, something terrible will happen or they will be punished. Obsessed with order and symmetry. They may have superstitions about certain numbers, colors or arrangements.
- Those who are afraid that something bad will happen if they throw something away. They compulsively hoard things they don't need or don't use. They may also suffer from other disorders such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, compulsive buying, kleptomania, ADHD or tic disorders.
Origin
The intense pace of life that has developed in the modern world creates stressful situations for a person every day. Some are able to overcome them quite successfully, others fall into their trap, from which it is almost impossible to get out on your own. As a result, such individuals develop stress changes or depression and a depressed mood.
But this is the main reason, the development of which can be pushed by accompanying external and internal factors, such as:
- Hereditary predisposition. Numerous medical scientific studies have confirmed the fact that OCD is inherited. This means that people with a family history of people susceptible to this syndrome are much more likely to develop this pathology. But only nature is transmitted through genes, while a group of symptoms can be completely different. For example, a mother has a pathological tendency to wash her hands, fearing to remain dirty all the time. Whereas the daughter may demonstrate a fear of improper communication with people and the consequences of this.
- Features of the structure of the nervous system. This biological parameter also plays a significant role. If a patient's brain lacks neurotransmitters that should have been developed before the age of 23, it will lack components such as dopamine and serotonin. And they play a decisive role in creating a feeling of satisfaction. Thus, the individual at the biological level is deprived of the opportunity to receive satisfaction from life - as a result of which a stable stressful state arises. It would seem that even from minor failures, which under normal conditions are perceived adequately, persistent negativism is formed in such individuals.
Certain living conditions may also contribute to the formation of the disease. These include:
- anxiety due to separation anxiety experienced in childhood;
- inclinations to submit;
- an overwhelming sense of perfectionism, pushing for constant improvement and achieving goals at any cost;
- a sense of dedication and commitment while performing work activities;
- high levels of individual morality;
- punishments in childhood that sharply limited freedom of expression;
- ardent resistance to any changes that arise along the path of life;
- a negative attitude towards all risks, no matter what they are associated with;
- an increased level of sensitivity, which forces the patient to react emotionally to any actions that occur;
- development of ambivalence.
Also, psychiatrists and psychologists agree that studying can accompany the development of the syndrome. But it happens when a person experiences in childhood:
- restrictions during training – a sense of perfectionism and increased responsibility is achieved and formed;
- when a person suffering from this type of disease acted as a teacher or educator;
- restrictive and strict religious upbringing, and education, which forces even thoughts about negativism or negative actions to be equated with committing such actions - as a result of which the person and his nervous system become constantly tense, the level of responsibility increases, leading to stress;
- excessive moral education, with the formation of sharp boundaries that are strictly forbidden to cross;
- the formation of a certain type of belief;
- increasing the level of responsibility - the individual takes on too many factors for which he is responsible, although in fact he does not have the ability to cope with this;
- attempts to completely and absolutely control the flow of one’s own thoughts;
- attaching too much importance to a wide variety of thoughts, actions and events;
- inability to tolerate uncertain situations in life.
Considering all of the above, it is clear that one of the most basic reasons causing obsessive-compulsive disorder is specific behavioral patterns and character with increased anxiety, responsibility and morality in combination with genetic predisposition and unfavorable living conditions. Although, sometimes being overly comfortable can also push one towards pathology.
Symptoms
OCD is a mental disorder that can only be diagnosed by a medical specialist. Only a psychotherapist or psychiatrist can give a final conclusion. To accomplish this, a variety of methods are used.
There are certain symptoms of OCD that indicate the presence of the disease. Those suffering from the disorder can detect them on their own or with the help of family and friends:
- Many begin to bargain with their own conscience and subconscious. Convince yourself of the presence of symptoms of a non-existent disease or re-check the closure of the tap, rearrange things, check the door, then the problem will disappear. In fact, there is a movement in a circle. Obsessive rituals only strengthen specific sensations in the brain, forming an image of a dangerous picture that really takes place.
- The need to perform repetitive manipulations and actions increases many times over. But there is a certain “but” here. If a healthy person has the habit of washing their hands several times for no apparent reason, this does not mean at all that they have OCD. Perhaps he is simply afraid of getting infected and getting sick. Then you need to be aware of whether there is a willingness to give up repetitions for a certain amount of remuneration. If so, then it's just a bad habit. Otherwise, this is really a deviation that requires psychological help or psychotherapy.
- It is difficult to convince an individual that there is no threat. They are attached to their fears, so no amount of belief helps them become more confident. They are ready to counter any admonitions with the phrases “yes, but...”. The result is anxieties that continue to torment and torment the soul, which only intensify over time even when the fears are not realized.
- A clear awareness of when it started and how long it lasts. Control is not weakening at all.
- An overwhelming feeling of anxiety. But it must be borne in mind that it has an established basis. True, in a healthy situation a person is able to overcome these factors. He knows how to control and suppress them. Whereas a person suffering from OCD cannot do this on their own.
Despite the symptoms and signs, there is absolutely no need to despair. These deviations can be corrected. This is done through specialists who need to be contacted on time and in specialized clinics. They can be found on the Internet, and on the site you can know all the necessary situations.
It is worth remembering that the sooner help is accepted, the faster and more effectively it will be possible to get rid of the problem.
The symptoms may be alarming, but the final diagnosis is made exclusively by a specialist who can determine obsessive-compulsive disorder based on the symptoms present and prescribe adequate treatment.
It is important to understand that there are differences between normal and pathological thoughts. They do not lie in the content itself, but in the patient’s attitude towards them.
According to recent studies, in the vast majority of cases, that is, 90% of the adult population, there are thoughts that are of a fixated nature. They concentrate too much attention, but do not suffer from cognitive behavioral disorders.
What happens during the pathological process? What dependencies are formed and to what extent, and how do they affect health? The significant difference is that a trigger (trigger - irritant or so-called trigger) gives rise to the appearance of obsessions in the form of involuntary thoughts. The process is still poorly controlled by the individual himself, which is why anxiety manifests itself in him. But the body, trying to avoid self-destruction, causes compulsive manipulation. They consist of repeating the same rituals.
An interesting fact is that the fears that the patient experiences do not come true only for the reason that the individual triggers compulsive actions. And the absence of a negative manifestation does not mean that fears are unfounded or that the person is innocent.
Compulsion has a short spectrum of manifestation - it is designed to smooth out fears or reduce the level of discomfort. If the disease is not treated, then in the long term, compulsive behavior maintains fears and a vicious circle arises, which can lead to the persistent formation of the disease.
Analogies of OCD can be drawn with panic attacks and conditions, as well as agoraphobia.
How to tell if you have OCD
Symptoms of OCD can be very diverse and at first glance look quite harmless and even funny. If you double-check that the door is closed, don't step on the joints of paving slabs, or wash your hands thoroughly twice or thrice, there is no need to sound the alarm. This may just be caution and concern for your health. But if behind this there are constant and obsessive thoughts that can be stopped only by adhering to your invented rituals, then the best solution would be to seek advice from specialists.
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Treatment Methods for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
The best results are shown by a combination of medication, in combination with psychological behavioral therapy, which allows you to practice normal behavior skills. So, if you use EPR - exposure with the prevention of reactions, you can achieve not just temporary relief, but a radical improvement in the quality of life and getting rid of an undesirable manifestation.
Considering all the features of OCD treatment, it is worth noting the following specific effects from each type and technique:
- EPR technique. Its essence lies in the fact that an adult or teenager is specifically immersed in an existing problem. In this way, his anxiety is deliberately increased, and subsequently techniques are used that help make sure that such obsessive states are still wrong. A psychologist or psychiatrist who is involved in treatment must necessarily monitor the absence of compulsion rituals. Naturally, they do not prevent this physically, but do it on a psychological level. This is the only way to cope with discomfort and anxiety. This technique is most often used in combination with cognitive therapy and behavioral analysis. This helps to further reduce the significance of the obsession, reduce the level of anxiety and eliminate excessive responsibility.
- It can also be treated with medications. In this case, the doctor prescribes antidepressants, but it is necessary to take into account the fact that the effectiveness of such drug therapy is only a maximum of 40%.
Therefore, most experts recommend treating obsessive-compulsive disorder using combined techniques, regardless of how old the person actually suffers from the symptoms. But taking into account the possible use of one or another group of medications at a certain age stage.
Development of the disease and prognosis if not treated
When the essence of this condition is considered, it is classified as one that is at the intersection of obsession, phobias and mania. All this makes it possible to conclude that this deviation is a very serious pathology, which cannot be eliminated on its own. In order to return to a normal course of life, the participation of a qualified doctor, psychotherapist or psychologist is necessary. But more often, help will be needed from both of them.
In support of these words, we can cite the facts that in some countries of the world people suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder are classified as disabled and unable to perform various manipulations that benefit society as a whole, and therefore are assigned health benefits. That is, in fact, they are equated to the group of disabled people, however, no one limits their ability to get out of this condition, since the disease can become reversible - and this is one of the important factors that must be taken into account. That is, no one restricts the right to lead a normal lifestyle and does not isolate him from the community.
You can get rid of this pathology, and it is advisable to do this at the earliest possible stages. Then the symptoms go away quite quickly, in contrast to those situations when the condition is excessively triggered.
Complications include:
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a rather complex pathology of personal development and formation. It is formed under the pressure of neuroses. Therefore, if the problem is ignored, negative aspects and sensations in neurology increase. Deterioration of cognitive functions, neurotic reactions, restless sleep, emotional instability, etc. may be observed.
- Pathological conditions also include persistent fears that change behavior and perceptions of existing reality. These are more complex stages compared to the first group of symptoms.
- Inability to contact others.
- Depression can lead to suicide attempts.
Analyzing the general condition of the vast majority of patients who did not receive medical care on time, we have to testify that they cease to be full members of society.
They cannot normally perform functional duties at work, are unable to contact their family and maintain full-fledged family relationships with relatives without causing psychological damage to them. That is why, in order to eliminate all unpleasant symptoms, reduce the level of doubt, and also increase social adaptation, it is imperative to seek qualified help and not try to get rid of the problem on your own.
If we talk about the time frame during which the disease most often occurs, then there is no pattern. Neurosis with possible pathological deviations occurs in both young children and the elderly. Thus, according to some statistical parameters, among children the syndrome can occur, depending on the country and living conditions, 1 time per 200-500 population. Whereas in adults it is standard everywhere and is approximately 1 in 300.
Moreover, the clinical picture in the overwhelming majority appears the same. Most often it is expressed in the form of fear. So, it is most actively formed when there is contact with other people or objects. Fear of getting your hands dirty from dirty objects or from shaking hands is the most common fear of OCD diagnosis. In this case, the patient experiences a regular need to wash his hands. If he cannot do this, then it ends up being stressful for him. At first, this may be considered simply excessive cleanliness. But, later, during development, it acquires a pathological character, demonstrating itself more and more powerfully and alarmingly. At the same time, a teenager or adult experiences suppressed emotions if he is unable to perform the ritual.
The opinions of others can also become obsessive. A person suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder feels that people are behaving in unusual ways. They can spend an entire day wondering if they were given their hand a few seconds too late.
These periods may initially occur occasionally, but, in the absence of main treatment methods, they will become more frequent and worse, driving the individual into an increasingly difficult existence. His positive emotions begin to be suppressed, as a result of which the physical component begins to suffer.
Preventing the return of the disease
It is almost impossible to completely recover from obsessive neurosis, but you can make it mildly expressed - invisible to others and not interfering with the patient’s ability to lead a normal lifestyle. Adequate psychotherapy and competent medication support reduce the symptoms of the disorder.
In some periods, for example, after overwork or stress, the disease may worsen again. But its symptoms will already be smoothed out, and the person will know how to “suppress” them completely.
Remember: if you start treatment for a mental disorder in its early stages, it will not go very far. This means you can live and work normally, and be a happy family man. If you start neurosis, it can even lead to disability. The choice is yours - fight for your health and find happiness or wilt under the pressure of reckless obsessions.
The specialists of the Leto clinic are ready to support you. If you want to be cured, be sure to call 8(969)060-93-93 . There are no hopeless situations. If it seems to you that you are in exactly this situation, it means that it was created by your wild imagination. We will demonstrate the brightness of the world around you and relieve you of annoying obsessions and compulsions.
Diagnosis of pathology
The only way to correctly diagnose is to contact a doctor who is a specialist in the relevant field. At the same time, doctors use a variety of techniques for obsessive-compulsive disorder, for example, differential diagnosis and various testing methods.
The simplest way for specialists to diagnose is to use the Yale-Brown test. Such tactics help not only to establish the presence of a deviation, but to effectively determine the severity of the course.
