What is  Obsessive Compulsive Disorder? Symptoms, Causes, Types and Treatment

What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a common mental health condition that causes people to have uncontrolled intrusive thoughts and engage in repetitive behaviors. OCD affects about 2-3% of adults and can start at any age, though it often begins in childhood or early adulthood. The symptoms can range from mild to severe and disrupt daily functioning. 

Symptoms of Obsession Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Some common obsessions seen in OCD include fear of contamination, need for symmetry, taboo thoughts involving sex, religion, or harm, and excessive worries about safety or health. These obsessive thoughts are unwanted, disturbing, and feel out of one’s control. To try to make the thoughts go away or decrease anxiety, people with OCD engage in compulsive behaviors or mental acts. 

Common compulsions include excessive washing and cleaning, repeating behaviors a certain number of times, arranging items in a particular order, compulsive counting or checking things, and hoarding behaviors. Performing the compulsive acts provides temporary relief but the obsessions soon return. With OCD, these obsessions and compulsions become extremely time consuming and interfere with normal routines, relationships, work, or school.

Causes of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

OCD has a neurobiological basis and brain imaging shows differences in people with OCD compared to those without the disorder. It likely involves a dysfunction in communication between the frontal cortex and deeper brain regions like the striatum. There also seems to be an imbalance in the brain chemical serotonin. OCD may have a genetic component, as it can run in families. Environmental factors like childhood trauma or a major stressful event can also trigger the start of OCD. 

Types of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

There are several types of OCD that differ based on the nature of obsessions and compulsions:

Contamination OCD involves extreme fear of dirt, germs, or toxins. Compulsions include excessive cleaning, hand washing, showering, or using disinfectants.

Harm OCD is characterized by intrusive thoughts about causing damage to oneself or others.. Compulsions may include checking behaviors, asking for reassurance, or avoiding sharp objects. 

Symmetry OCD causes a preoccupation with order, patterns, and arrangement. Straightening and ordering behaviors are done to reduce anxiety related to this obsession.

Religious OCD causes obsessive fears of sinning, blasphemy, or violating religious values. Compulsions involve increased prayer, confessing, or checking related to religion. 

Sexual OCD involves intrusive sexual thoughts that cause distress or anxiety. Compulsions include mental replacements of the thoughts or avoiding anything that might trigger the sexual obsessions. 

Hoarding OCD involves obsessively collecting and keeping objects because of strong urges to save items or distress when discarding them.

Treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

OCD treatment usually consist of a combination of therapy and medication. The most effective therapy is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with exposure and response prevention (ERP). This encourages facing fears in a structured way while refraining from compulsive behaviors. Antidepressants like SSRIs are often prescribed to help control obsessions and compulsions. 

Lifestyle changes can also help manage OCD symptoms:

Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises to reduce overall anxiety.

Exercise regularly to boost mood and relieve stress.

Avoid caffeine and nicotine, which can exacerbate anxiety. 

Join a support group to help cope with challenges.

Make time for enjoyable activities and hobbies unrelated to OCD.

Conclusion

While OCD cannot be cured, the right treatment makes it possible to manage symptoms and limit their impact on one’s life. With therapy and dedication, even severe OCD can be overcome. The key is being able to identify obsessive thoughts and compulsions, then finding healthy ways to cope with them. Though challenging, most people with OCD can achieve control over their intrusive thoughts and behaviors.