We all have some of the other OCD, but do we know that OCD is a mental illness that can become serious if it leads to anxiety and stress. It is difficult to identify the causes of OCD, but if we feel any of your loved ones suffer from excessive behavioral issues that are out of their control, then seek medical help immediately.
There are many medical terms that we use very loosely; most of the time, we attach our habits with a medical term that might not be related. One such most used term, especially amongst the youth, is OCD. I have often heard people say, ‘OH, I have an OCD towards cleanliness or an OCD towards a particular thought,’ but what exactly is OCD. How did we develop these OCDs? Is it a mental illness? This article will talk about the facts attached to the term OCD, and probably after reading this article, we might not be comfortable relating your habits to OCD.
OCD or Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a mental condition, which triggers similar thoughts or sensations repeatedly. Patients with OCD might show repetitive, intrusive, or compulsive behavior related to anything. It might be the fear of catching flu, thoughts of self-doubt, becoming too religious, etc. Let’s understand these with an example: Due to the unreasonable fear of catching flu, some patients wash their hands after every few minutes; this obsessive behavior can be termed as OCD. Similarly, thoughts of self-doubt like ‘Did I turn off the stove?’, ‘Did I collect the money?’ etc., are also symptoms of OCD. Additionally, feelings of hatred towards a thing or habit to the extent that the hatred triggers an angry response can also be termed as OCD. These sensations or thoughts get repeated in a pattern and create unnecessary anxiety and stress.
You Can Categorize These Behaviors Into Two Sections:
- Obsession – Invasive or unwanted thoughts
- Compulsion – Behaviour patterns repeated performed to release stress and anxiety. An individual has little or no control over this impulsive behavior.
Obsessive Symptoms:
- Refraining from touching articles that others have touched.
- Obsession of keeping objects in a certain way.
- Fear of leaving things unattended, like wondering if the door is locked or the stove is turned off.
- The constant thought of doing things that are not correct
Compulsive Symptoms:
- Excessive washing of hands, even when it is clean.
- Keeping articles in a certain way and getting angry when the arrangement is disturbed.
- Silently repeating a word without an intention.
OCD should not be treated lightly because severe OCD cases can cause huge damage to one’s physical, mental and social life.
Effects Of OCD:
- Unable to enjoy social functions.
- Troubled Relationships
- Development of Dermatitis due to excessive hand washing.
- The rise in anxiety levels.
- Feeling angry on one’s own impulsive but wrong thoughts.
- Thoughts of self-harm or harming others.
Now That We Know The Symptoms Let’s Understand The Causes That Lead To OCD.
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Genetically Transmitted
As per recent research, if a close relative has a history of severe OCD, then it can be transmitted genetically to childhood. In this case, the signs of OCD are visible since childhood.
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Birth Circumstances
As per the Jama Psychiatry Study, If the pregnant mother smoked cigarettes daily during pregnancy, then the child might be at risk of developing OCD.
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Brain Structure
People with OCD have a hyperactive neural circuit that affects the brain’s decision-making abilities.
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Trauma
This is, by far, the most common cause of OCD. If a child experiences trauma or enforced behavior during childhood, then, in the long run, it can develop into OCD.
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Stress And Anger
Although there is no proof stating that OCD is created due to anger, but clinically it has been proven that anger, anxiety, and depression can worsen the symptoms of OCD. OCD mostly occurs in a stressful environment, especially when a person is angry. Talk -therapy is very effective in treating this kind of aroused OCD.
Can OCD Be Cured?
OCD can get better if not 100% cured. The only therapy known to work for OCD cases is ERP (Exposure and Responsive Prevention). In this process, the patient is exposed to the source of obsession and makes you aware of the anxiety it creates. Through Cogenetic Behavioural Therapy, the patient is made aware of his obsessions so that he/ she can remove them consciously from their behavioral pattern.
The Bottom Line:
OCD is a mental illness that affects every aspect of our life. The symptoms of OCD can be mild or severe, depending upon the factors that influence the behavior. Today, there are various therapies through which OCD can be controlled, and one must visit the doctor to get proper guidance on this subject. Thus, let’s not mistake habits with OCD; these are more chronic health conditions, over which one hardly has any control.
