TREATMENT OF OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER (OCD) in Delhi & Gurgaon
Obsessive compulsive disorder is a very long blasting and problematic disorder in which a person cannot gain control over their reacquiring thoughts and behaviours. Commonly known as obsessions and compulsions, these provide the name to the disorder and the urge to satisfy them again and again is a very big issue for such people.
People with OCD can have either compulsion or obsessions or both in their behaviour. It can interfere with different aspects of life and render them non-functional in most cases. Areas such as work, school and personal relationships suffer a lot because of the issues it poses.
Obsessions in common terms can be defined as urges, thoughts, or certain mental images that a person feels and thinks about repetitively.
Compulsions on the other hand can be defined as the response of the person towards such urges or mental images.
Not all rituals are compulsions or obsessions as we might think. It is in human nature to think about certain things more than twice or thrice. But it does not qualify as obsessive or compulsive behaviour. In most cases.
Let’s look at what a person with OCD might generally do –
– Spend more than one hour day in indulging in thoughts and behaviours that are repetitive
– Cannot seem to control their thoughts or behaviours, even after being quite aware about them
– Does not get pleasure after completing the behaviour or obsession once or twice and feel the need to repeat it again and again
– Loses their functionality of daily life in order to complete their behaviours
If left untreated or undiagnosed, OCD can be a very problematic situation to be in- both for the client and their loved ones. If you feel that you will love one sweet professional understanding of their situation, approach Tulasi, psychiatric Hospital and rehab rehabilitation Centre right away.
Symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
There are certain levels of symptoms that can be identified to attain a clear picture of OCD. Let’s look at the symptoms in a proper manner.
Symptoms of Obsession in OCD
– Fear of Contamination– This includes a very persistent fear of contamination by germs or fear of getting dirty. This causes obsessive behaviours like frequent hand washing, cleaning, or avoiding certain places that might be prone to these problems.
– Harmful Thought Intrusion– The person has unwanted thoughts of harming others or themselves without any cause. This can lead to some behaviours that may be pointing towards harm or avoiding certain situations
– Fear of Losing Safety– The person fear that they might lose control over themselves any time which can lead to compulsive behaviours to maintain control over themselves and others.
– Sexual Obsessions– Such people usually get obsessive thoughts about sexual activity or any other thought, which can lead to intense feeling of shame and guilt.
– Religious or Moral Obsessions– there are persistent doubts about one’s morality and religious beliefs, which a person aims to avoid and the behaviours are aimed at finding assurance in their beliefs.
Symptoms of Compulsions in OCD
– Excessive Cleaning or Hand Washing– such individuals feel a very excessive need to clean their hands, or they feel that they are plagued by germs and need to get rid of them as soon as possible.
– Checking Behaviours– with a doubt in their minds, such people always check the locks and appliances more than the required amount and they feel that they might get harmed and have safety related concerns.
– Performing Mental Rituals– such people often pray or repeat certain words in order to avoid harm repetitively.
– Ordering or Arranging Objects– such people need to maintain symmetry and order, and in this way, they feel related to the outcomes of their actions.
– Hoarding or Collect– when people feel a persistent need to keep or collect objects without having the need to do it.
What are the Causes Behind Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?
The exact causes behind compulsive disorder are not fully understood, but it is a mix of factors that bring about its onset. Let’s explore some factors that we contribute to the development of this disorder-
– Genetic Factors– OCD appears to be present in families for generations, suggesting a genetic component to its development. Some induct studies in such factors from that a lot of jeans might be involved in the development and onset of this disorder.
– Neurological Factors– there might be some abnormalities present in certain parts of the brain that can cause this issue. These parts include orbitofrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, and basal ganglia, which are some areas that have been seen to be associated with OCD in general. Since these areas are responsible for regulating behaviour and emotions, they seem to play a big part in individual OCD being underactive or overactive.
– Environmental Factors– traumatic and stressful life events can trigger the onset of OCD. Events like abuse, illness, or loss of a loved one have usually been seen to contribute to the onset and development of OCD in some individuals. Apart from this, many infections and autoimmune disorders can also contribute to OCD in some people.
– Cognitive Factors– since people with OCD have a certain pattern of thinking like perfection or more heightened sense of responsibility, it can trigger a sense of compulsions and obsessions.
It is important to note that obsessive compulsive disorder is a very complex condition that can be triggered by any of these factors or a combination of these in any proportion. Treatment in the long run can help manage symptoms and improve functionality and quality of life.
Types of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive compulsive disorder can also be of many types which can seem to show certain patterns and themes of onset. Some common types of OCD include-
– Contamination OCD– Here, the person is plagued with the fear of contamination of germs, dirt or any other pathogen. This leads to excessive hand washing, cleaning of oneself and surfaces and avoidance of places and objects that increase probability of contamination.
–Checking OCD– it is a fear of harm and danger that leads people to check excessively on things that are responsible for their safety. Locks and appliances are under constant supervision.
–Symmetry OCD– such people feel that everything should be kept in order and in a symmetrical manner. If not done, it can lead to compulsive behaviours as well as unwanted outcomes and situations.
–Hoarding OCD– people with this OCD feel very difficult to part with their positions and Dis, kindly to excessive clutter and keeping things without any need. This interferes with their daily functioning as well.
–Sexual or Religious OCD– obsessions referred to sexual and religious themes come under this category. Such obsessions lead to feelings of shame and guilt and only compulsive behaviours can reduce anxiety.
It’s important to consider that these OCDs are not mutually exclusive. It can occur in moderation or be present in multiple types. To understand what is going on with your loved ones, it is important to see professional help.
Treatment Modalities for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
OCD is typically treated with medication, psychotherapy or a combination of different modalities. Most of the patients see considerable improvement with medication and therapy. However, there is a very small population that may require brain stimulation techniques for immediate effect.
Comorbidities with OCD also show up in the form of depression, anxiety, and other disorders like body dysmorphia.
Medication Modalities– Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are very effective in reducing OCD symptoms. Medications have always been proved effective with adults and children with OCD.
Within 8 to 12 weeks, the treatment for OCD starts to show effect with medication and regular therapeutic management. If symptoms do not improve with medication, some people also respond well to Anti- psychotic medication.
Psychotherapy– psychotherapy can be a very good mode of treatment for adults and children with OCD. Certain types like cognitive behavioural therapy, habit reversal training and exposure and response prevention therapy are some of the most effective ones in people who are not able to respond well to SRI medication.
Finding the Right Treatment Plan for You
At Tulasi Healthcare, we believe that support and hope are the pillars of a good support system. As your support system towards a life of health and functional well-being, we offer effective treatment plans by obsessive compulsive disorder. Connect with us today in any form to know how we can be of help.
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