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Obsessive compulsive disorder

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Treatment

Obsessive compulsive disorder is a mental health issue characterized by repeated, recurrent, and intrusive thoughts that causes significant distress to the individual and leads to compulsive behaviour. According to studies, its lifetime prevalence is 1.6%. The essential features of OCD are time consumption, marked distress and significant impairing obsessions or compulsions that are recognized as unreasonable or foolish by the individual. It is equally common in men and women. Its onset is likely to be in childhood or early adult life. The person may need psychosocial rehabilitation at psychiatry hospital in India.

What are obsessions?

Obsessions and recurrent and persistent thoughts, ideas or images that comes to a person’s mind over and over again in a stereotype fashion. The suffer often has failed attempts to stop them. They are markedly distressing and are recognized as self- generated.

What are compulsions?

The obsessions cause significant anxiety to the individual and to neutralize it, the person indulges in a ritualistic behaviour that is repeated again and again called compulsions. The person feels compelled to perform these behaviours or mental actions to prevent negative consequences. They provide a temporary relief from anxiety which further reinforces the behaviour. They are not inherently enjoyable for the person and he/she may identify them as pointless.

CAUSES

Biological factors-

  1. Genetics- Genetic study has shown that relatives of person with OCD are three to five times higher risk of developing OCD. Higher concordance rate has been found in monozygotic twins than dizygotic twins.
  2. Neurotransmitters- Dysregulation of Serotonin plays an important role in symptom formation of OCD although reason has not been clear.
  3. Brain Anatomy- Many brain imaging studies have found increased activity in frontal lobe, basal ganglia and cingulum of patients with OCD.

Behavioural Factors: –

  1. Learning studies show that a relatively neutral stimulus gets associated with a fear response through the process of conditioning.
  2. Compulsions are learned through repeated actions that are carried out to neutralize the anxiety from obsessions.

Psychosocial Factors: –

  1. 15 to 35 % of people with OCD had obsessive traits such as concern for details and perfectionism prior to the onset of the illness.
  2. Psychodynamic theories suggest a regression from oedipal phase to anal psychosexual stage of development leading to ambivalence and magical thinking.

Treatment of OCD

Psychological Treatment in India

  1. Behaviour Therapy (BT): Behaviour therapy has proven to be one of the most effective treatment in OCD. Many rehab centres in Delhi NCR provide exposure therapy and uses ERP as a basis of their treatment.
  2. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy: Cognitive Restructuring along with Exposure therapy is one of the best approaches used by clinicians all over the world. Psychiatry hospital in India and other countries uses techniques of cognitive therapy to work with mental compulsions.

Pharmacological Treatment in India

Pharmacologic monotherapy usually revolves around clomipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant and SSRIs.

Top Psychiatry hospital in India like Tulasi Healthcare, a rehab centre in Gurgaon, Delhi NCR offers a combined approach of pharmacology and psychological treatment.

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Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Treatment

TREATMENT OF OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER (OCD) in Delhi & Gurgaon

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a common, chronic and long-lasting disorder in which a person has uncontrollable, reoccurring thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions) that he or she feels the urge to repeat over and over.

People with OCD may have symptoms of obsessions, compulsions, or both. These symptoms can interfere with all aspects of life, such as work, school, and personal relationships.

Obsessions are repeated thoughts, urges, or mental images that cause anxiety.

Compulsions are repetitive behaviors that a person with OCD feels the urge to do in response to an obsessive thought.

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Not all rituals or habits are compulsions. Everyone double checks things sometimes. But a person with OCD generally:

  • Can’t control his or her thoughts or behaviors, even when those thoughts or behaviors are recognized as excessive
  • Spends at least 1 hour a day on these thoughts or behaviors
  • Doesn’t get pleasure when performing the behaviors or rituals, but may feel brief relief from the anxiety the thoughts cause
  • Experiences significant problems in their daily life due to these thoughts or behaviors

If you think you or someone you care for has Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, connect with professional Mental Health Care Practitioners at Tulasi’s Psychiatric Hospital & Rehabilitation Centers right away. If left untreated, OCD can interfere in all aspects of life.

Symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

As above mentioned that Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by the presence of unwanted and intrusive thoughts, images, or impulses (obsessions) that cause significant distress and anxiety, as well as repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) that are aimed at reducing the anxiety caused by the obsessions. Some common symptoms are:

Symptoms of obsessions in OCD

Obsessions are recurring, unwanted, and intrusive thoughts, images, or impulses that cause significant anxiety or distress. The symptoms can vary widely from person to person, but some common examples include:

  • Fear of contamination: a persistent and irrational fear of germs, dirt, or contamination, which can lead to excessive hand washing, cleaning, or avoidance of certain places or objects.
  • Intrusive thoughts of harm: unwanted and distressing thoughts or images of harming oneself or others, which can lead to compulsive behaviors aimed at preventing harm, such as checking or avoiding certain situations.
  • Doubts about safety: persistent doubts and uncertainties about whether one has done something right or whether something bad will happen, which can lead to excessive checking or seeking reassurance from others.
  • Fear of losing control: a persistent and irrational fear of losing control of oneself or one’s actions, which can lead to compulsive behaviors aimed at maintaining control or avoiding certain situations.
  • Sexual obsessions: unwanted and intrusive thoughts or images related to sexual acts or thoughts, which can lead to intense feelings of shame and guilt.
  • Religious or moral obsessions: persistent doubts and concerns about one’s beliefs or morality, which can lead to compulsive behaviors aimed at seeking reassurance or avoiding certain situations.

It’s important to note that these obsessions can cause significant distress and anxiety, and can interfere with daily functioning and quality of life. It is important to seek professional advice from a mental health practitioner.

Symptoms of compulsions in OCD

Compulsions are recurrent mental acts or behaviors that are performed in response to obsessions in order to lessen the anxiety caused by them. The symptoms of compulsions in OCD can vary widely from person to person, but some common examples include:

  • Excessive cleaning or hand washing: a persistent and excessive need to clean or wash one’s hands, often related to a fear of contamination or germs.
  • Checking behaviors: repetitive checking of locks, appliances, or other objects, often related to a fear of harm or safety concerns.
  • Mental rituals: repetitive mental acts, such as counting or praying, that are performed in response to obsessions or to prevent harm.
  • Repeating actions or words: a persistent need to repeat certain actions or words, often related to a fear of harm or safety concerns.
  • Ordering or arranging objects: a persistent need to order or arrange objects in a particular way, often related to a need for symmetry or order.
  • Hoarding or collecting: a persistent need to collect or keep objects, often related to a fear of losing something important or a need for control.

It’s important to note that these compulsions are often performed to reduce anxiety or distress caused by obsessions, but can themselves become a source of distress and interfere with daily functioning and quality of life.

Causes of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

The exact causes of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) are not fully understood, but research suggests that a combination of genetic, neurological, environmental, and cognitive factors may contribute to the development of the disorder.

  • Genetics: OCD appears to run in families, suggesting that there may be a genetic component. Some studies found several genes may be involved in the development of the disorder
  • Neurological factors: Abnormalities in certain parts of the brain, including the orbitofrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, and basal ganglia, have been associated with OCD. These brain regions are involved in regulating behavior and emotions, and may be overactive or underactive in individuals with OCD.
  • Environmental factors: Traumatic or stressful life events, such as abuse, illness, or loss of a loved one, have been linked to the development of OCD in some individuals. In addition, certain infections or autoimmune disorders may trigger the onset of OCD in some people.
  • Cognitive factors: People with OCD may have certain patterns of thinking, such as perfectionism or an exaggerated sense of responsibility, that contribute to the development of obsessions and compulsions.

It’s important to note that OCD is a complex disorder, and its development is likely influenced by a combination of factors. Treatment can help in managing symptoms and improving the life.

Types of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

There are different types of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), which are characterized by specific themes or patterns of obsessions and compulsions. Some of the common types of OCD include:

  • Contamination OCD: A fear of contamination, germs, or dirt, which can lead to excessive hand washing, cleaning, or avoidance of certain places or objects.
  • Checking OCD: A fear of harm or danger, which can lead to compulsive checking behaviors, such as repeatedly checking locks or appliances.
  • Symmetry and Order OCD: A need for symmetry and order, which can lead to compulsive behaviors such as arranging and organizing objects in a particular way.
  • Hoarding OCD: A persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions, which can lead to excessive clutter and interfere with daily functioning.
  • Sexual and Religious OCD: Obsessions related to sexual or religious themes, which can lead to feelings of shame or guilt and compulsive behaviors aimed at reducing anxiety.

It’s important to note that these types of OCD are not mutually exclusive, and individuals may experience symptoms that overlap with multiple types. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of OCD, it’s important to seek professional help from a mental health provider for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Treatments

OCD is typically treated with medication, psychotherapy or a combination of the two. Although most patients with OCD respond to treatment, some patients continue to experience symptoms.

Sometimes people with OCD also have other mental disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and body dysmorphic disorder, a disorder in which someone mistakenly believes that a part of their body is abnormal. It is important to consider these other disorders when making decisions about treatment.

OCD Medication

Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are used to help reduce OCD symptoms. Medications has been proven effective in both adults and children with OCD.

SRIs often require higher daily doses in the treatment of OCD than of depression, and may take 8 to 12 weeks to start working, but some patients experience more rapid improvement.

If symptoms do not improve with these types of medications, research shows that some patients may respond well to an antipsychotic medication. Although research shows that an antipsychotic medication may be helpful in managing symptoms for people who have both OCD and a tic disorder, research on the effectiveness of antipsychotics to treat OCD is mixed.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy can be an effective treatment for adults and children with OCD. Research shows that certain types of psychotherapy, including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and other related therapies (e.g., habit reversal training) can be as effective as medication for many individuals. Research also shows that a type of CBT called Exposure and Response Prevention (EX/RP) is effective in reducing compulsive behaviors in OCD, even in people who did not respond well to SRI medication. For many patients EX/RP is the add-on treatment of choice when SRIs or SSRIs medication does not effectively treat OCD symptoms.

At Tulasi Healthcare a leading psychiatric hospital and rehabilitation centre we offer effective treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Connect with us at 24 X 7 helpline +91-8800000255.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQ's

The common symptoms of OCD include repetitive behaviors or mental acts, such as excessive cleaning, counting, checking, or arranging, that interfere with daily life; unwanted, intrusive, or distressing thoughts, images, or impulses that are difficult to control; and anxiety, fear, or guilt related to the obsessions and compulsions.

The exact cause of OCD is not known, but it is believed to be related to a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors. Studies suggest that changes in the brain's circuitry and chemistry may play a role in the development of OCD.

OCD is diagnosed based on the presence of obsessions and compulsions that cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other areas of functioning. A mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, may use interviews, questionnaires, and other assessment tools to diagnose OCD.

The treatment options for OCD include medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy. A combination of medication and therapy may be more effective for some people.

There is no known cure for OCD, but it can be effectively managed with treatment. Many people with OCD experience significant improvement in their symptoms with medication and/or therapy. It is important to seek treatment as soon as possible to prevent the condition from worsening and interfering with daily life.
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