Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterised by the symptoms of obsessions with or without the presence of compulsions. This disorder may present with widely varying patterns from one sufferer to another.
OCD may be diagnosed when the obsessions or the compulsions consume excessive amounts of time in an individual’s life, causes significant distress and interference with one’s daily functioning at home, school or work, as well as a disruption in social activities and relationships.
The commonest features that are typically associated with OCD may include signs such as repetitive counting, praying, or pursuing tasks in a very specific way, hair-pulling, Self harm acts such as cutting, scratching, burning, hand-washing and body-cleaning repeatedly due to fear of contamination, or other, continuous health preoccupations.
Obsessions can include: irrational thoughts of harming others, doubting one’s religious or sexual orientations, fears or thought ruminations against one’s control, hoarding, and being excessively preoccupied with symmetry and precision.
The diagnosis of OCD is based on the fact that something which is rationally correct to do can become irrational and unhealthy just through the number of times it is ritually repeated daily. This repetition eventually becomes exasperating. Any particular patient is likely to not show all of the above features at one go. Instead, patients may exhibit one or two particular features in one period, and then some time later; these features could subdue and other features may become evident.
Some OCD patients can have their symptoms accentuated by stressful events. After their resolution, a diminution of the features of OCD may occur. Other psychological disorders, such as depression, phobias and anxiety may also co-exist with OCD.
Cognitive behavioral therapy and psychotropic medications are the first-line treatments for OCD. Other forms of psychotherapy, such as the psycho-dynamic and the psycho-analysis approaches may also help in micro-managing some aspects of this disorder. Some OCD symptoms may still persist; even following adequate treatment courses.
Above article provided by the collaboration of Dr. Georgiana Farrugia Bonnici – MD, MSc Family Medicine, BSc (Hons). Radiography
Diplomas in Mindful Mental Health, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Nutrition & Dietetics, Homeopathy & Reflexology, Creative Writing & Interior Design
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