Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental illness that causes patients to experience unwanted thoughts or sensations that create the urge to do activities over and over again. Obsessions and compulsions can both be present in this condition for some patients.
OCD can be physically visible in activities like touching things over and over again, but it can also lead to repetitive cycles of thinking that are harmful. Those suffering from OCD feel helpless to stop the behaviour that they are obsessed with, even if they know that it is not necessary.
People with OCD will have thoughts or actions that they engage in that can last for hours every day, are outside of their control, and are not enjoyable. These thoughts or actions might interfere with their work, their social life, and more.
Some other symptoms of OCD are:
The underlying problem with OCD thinking is that sufferers know that their thoughts or actions are not healthy, but they feel compelled to continue engaging in them. They will actually feel bad if they stop the behaviour, which makes the obsession with these actions and thoughts worse.
The root causes of OCD are not well-understood. For some patients, stress is the precursor to the first symptoms. For others, the link appears to be genetic. This condition is more common in women, but both men and women can suffer from it. Teens and adults display the symptoms of OCD far more often than young children.
Risk factors for OCD are:
Impulse Control & Addiction Disorders
Impulse Control & Addiction Disorder Medications
Personality Disorder Treatment
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Treatment
Are Mental Health Problems Preventable?
Diagnosis of OCD is usually based upon a description by the patient of the symptoms that they are experiencing. A psychiatrist will likely need to do an examination as well to confirm an OCD diagnosis. Some physical exams can be done, like taking images of the brain and testing blood to make sure there are no secondary health conditions contributing to these symptoms.
You cannot prevent OCD. The only preventative action that you can take is to avoid drugs and alcohol if you have a family member that has been diagnosed with OCD.
Treatment for OCD usually involves a range of different kinds of modalities to manage the wide array of symptoms related to this mental health condition. Medication for depression or anxiety might be prescribed to patients, and psychotherapy and cognitive behavioural therapy will typically be used to help patients break the cycle of their obsessive thoughts.
In some cases, transcranial magnetic stimulation can offer relief to those suffering from OCD. Other supportive care that seems to help with OCD is managing anxiety through meditation, yoga, or massage.