Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental disorder characterised by intrusive thoughts that produce anxiety, and by repetitive behaviours aimed at reducing that anxiety. People with OCD are caught in a cycle of obsessions and compulsions that are difficult to control. 

Obsessions are intrusive and unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that trigger distressing feelings. Compulsions are repetitive behaviours or mental acts that a person feels driven to perform in response to an obsession or according to rules that must be applied rigidly. People with OCD often feel compelled to perform these rituals or actions in an effort to alleviate their anxiety or distress caused by the persistant thoughts. 

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder can be a debilitating disorder that significantly impairs a person’s ability to function in everyday life. Majority of people with OCD may experience difficulty concentrating, sleeping, or forming relationships. They may also experience extreme anxiety and fear when faced with situations that trigger their OCD. 

Common obsessions may include fear of contamination or germs, fear of harm coming to oneself or others, or an overwhelming need for symmetry or order. Common compulsions may include excessive cleaning or hand washing, repeatedly checking things, or counting or arranging objects in a particular way. 

Common OCD symptoms are divided into two categories: obsessions and compulsions. It's important to note that not all individuals with OCD will experience both obsessive and compulsive behaviours.

Let's dive into some common signs and symptoms of OCD:

Obsessions:

• Recurrent and persistent thoughts, images, or impulses that are intrusive and unwanted
• Fear of contamination or dirt, or excessive concern about germs
• Extreme concern with order, symmetry, or exactness
• Intrusive sexual, violent, or religious thoughts or images
• Fear of causing harm to oneself or others
• Excessive doubt or indecision

Compulsions:

• Repetitive behaviors or mental acts that are performed in response to the reccuring thoughts
• Excessive cleaning, washing, or grooming
• Checking and rechecking actions, such as locks, switches, and appliances
• Repeating certain words, phrases, or prayers
• Counting, arranging, or aligning objects in a particular way
• Hoarding or collecting items of no value

 Apart from signs and symptoms classification, OCD also manifests in various classified forms, and while each type can involve different obsessions and compulsions, they are all characterised by persistent, intrusive, and distressing thoughts and behaviors that interfere with a person's daily life.

Here are some of the most common types of OCD diagnosis:

1. Contamination and cleanliness OCD: This involves an excessive fear of germs, dirt, and contamination, and may involve compulsive hand washing, cleaning, or avoiding certain situations or objects.

2. Checking OCD: In this type people with ocd perform obsessive checking behaviors, such as repeatedly checking locks, appliances, or other objects, to ensure that they are in a specific state, such as being off or locked.

3. Symmetry and order OCD: This involves an obsession with symmetry, order, and exactness, and may involve arranging objects in a specific way, counting or repeating actions until they are "just right."

4. Hoarding OCD: This is an excessive accumulation of objects, even if they have no real value, and a difficulty with discarding or parting with these objects.

5. Sexual and aggressive obsessions: This involves intrusive and distressing thoughts, images, or impulses related to sexual or aggressive behaviors, which may lead to compulsive behaviors, such as seeking reassurance or avoiding certain situations 

6. Health anxiety OCD: This  involves excessive worry and preoccupation with physical health, often including an obsessive concern with having a serious illness, such as cancer or heart disease, and may involve frequent checking or seeking reassurance from medical professionals, which often cause significant distress to individuals and their families.

It's important to note that these categories are not mutually exclusive, and many people with OCD also may experience symptoms that overlap across different types. Additionally, OCD is a highly individualised condition, and the specific obsessions and compulsions may vary from person to person. 

Not only adults but OCD is a mental health condition that affects people of all ages, including children. OCD symptoms appear in children  from a very young age, include excessive washing or cleaning, repeated checking of doors or appliances, repeating words or phrases, and arranging objects in a particular order. These behaviours can interfere with the child's ability to function at school, home, or with friends, leading to social isolation and anxiety.

In children, OCD can manifest in a variety of ways, including:

1. Excessive hand washing or cleaning

2. Repeatedly checking locks, doors, or appliances

3. Counting or repeating words or phrases

4. Arranging objects in a particular order

5. Fear of contamination or germs

6. Hoarding or collecting items

7. Difficulty discarding items

8. Requiring excessive reassurance

9. Fear of harm coming to themselves or loved ones

10. Intrusive thoughts of a sexual or violent nature

Children with OCD often experience intense anxiety, fear, and distress. They may be unable to explain why they feel compelled to perform certain behaviours, which can lead to frustration, guilt, and shame. 

Diagnoses of OCD in children can be challenging because some of the behaviours associated with OCD are typical of childhood development. However, if you notice that your child is experiencing intrusive thoughts or compulsive behaviours that are interfering with their daily life, it's essential to seek professional help. A mental health professional can assess your child's symptoms and determine if they meet the criteria for an OCD diagnosis.

There are several treatment options available that can help children and adults with OCD not help you to recognise and manage your symptoms, but also to get on with living a more fulfilling and meaningful life. Early diagnosis and treatment always has a significant difference in recovery. Usually treatments for obsessive-compulsive disorder typically involve a combination of behaviour therapy and medication. 

 Here are some common treatment options for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder:

1. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): Medications, which are a type of antidepressant, are the most effective form of severe OCD treatment in managing or reducing severe symptoms. Some commonly prescribed SSRIs for OCD include fluoxetine, sertraline, and fluvoxamine.

 SSRIs work by increasing the amount of serotonin available in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, and people with OCD have been found to have lower levels of serotonin than those without the disorder. Studies have shown that SSRIs can reduce the severity of OCD symptoms in many people. In some cases, they can even lead to a complete remission of symptoms.

 In addition to reducing symptoms of OCD, SSRIs can also help people with the disorder manage stress, improve sleep, increase motivation and even help gain better insight into their thoughts and behaviour.

2. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): This is a type of psychotherapy that involves identifying and challenging negative thoughts and beliefs that contribute to OCD symptoms. 

Exposure and response prevention (ERP), a specific type of CBT, involves gradually exposing the person to situations that trigger their obsessive thoughts, while preventing them from engaging in compulsive behaviours.  It has been shown to be highly effective in treating OCD. The goal of ERP is to help the person with OCD confront their obsessive thoughts and gradually reduce their compulsive behaviours that causes OCD symptoms. 

Patients with OCD are then instructed to resist the urge to engage in compulsive behaviours or mental rituals, and instead to tolerate the anxiety and discomfort that the situation may bring up. Over time, the person's anxiety level will typically decrease, and they will learn that they are able to resist compulsive behaviours without experiencing any negative consequences. 

ERP is typically conducted in a structured and gradual manner, starting with less challenging situations and gradually progressing to more difficult ones. The therapist works closely with the person to develop a hierarchy of situations, starting with those that are least anxiety-provoking and working up to those that are most anxiety-provoking. It is often combined with other CBT techniques, such as cognitive restructuring, in which the person learns to challenge and change negative thoughts and beliefs that contribute to their OCD symptoms. 

It's important to note that ERP should only be conducted by a qualified mental health professional who has experience working with OCD. 

3. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT): This type of therapy focuses on helping the person accept their thoughts and feelings without trying to control or eliminate them. The person learns to focus on what's important to them and take action towards their values, despite the presence of OCD symptoms.

 ACT is based on the idea that it is not the presence of intrusive thoughts or compulsive behaviours that is the problem, but rather the individual’s relationship to them. It teaches individuals to practice mindfulness and acceptance, rather than trying to rid themselves of the intrusive thoughts or compulsive behaviours. 

This helps individuals to recognise that the thoughts and behaviors are not a reflection of who they are, and that they can take action that is consistent with their values and goals. The goal is to reduce the frequency and intensity of the intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviours, while increasing the individual’s ability to engage in meaningful activities.

 ACT also focuses on developing cognitive flexibility, which involves learning to identify, question, and modify unhelpful thoughts and beliefs. This helps individuals to gain insight into their thoughts and behaviours, and to develop alternative ways of responding to them. The goal is to create a more balanced and realistic view of the world, and to increase the individual’s ability to take action that is consistent with their values.

4. Family therapy: Primarily this treatment may involve psycho-education about OCD and its symptoms to the family members of the person with OCD. It can help family members become more aware of their own roles and responsibilities in the lives of those with OCD.  

The goals of family therapy for OCD are to increase understanding and support, strengthen family relationships, and improve communication. By working together, family members can learn how to better support and care for their loved one who is living with OCD. It can help the individual with OCD understand their condition and the impact it has on their lives and those of their loved ones. 

It can also help family members learn how to respond to their loved ones in a more positive and supportive way. This way family members develop healthy and effective ways to communicate with their loved one who is living with OCD. This can help reduce stress and improve relationships within the family.

Below are several types of add-on treatment of choice or self care measures to manage OCD:

1. Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is a technique used to help people stay in the present moment. It involves focusing on your thoughts and feelings without judgement, and letting them come and go without trying to change them. Practising Mindfulness could be an effective treatment of ocd, as it grounds you to the present moment, allows you to recognise when your thoughts and feelings start to become overwhelming, and to respond to them in a calm and accepting way.

2. Challenge negative thoughts: Many people with OCD recognize that they have negative thoughts about themselves and their behaviour. It is important to challenge these thoughts, and to focus on what is true and factual. For example, if you are having a thought like “I’m a bad person for having these thoughts,” remind yourself that OCD is an illness, and that thoughts are just thoughts, they do not reflect your character or values.

3. Develop a support system: It is important to have a support system to lean on when dealing with OCD. This can include family members, friends, or even online support groups. Having people in your life who understand what you are going through can be a great source of comfort and support. This could as simply be our YouMatter Community which is the one stop solution for you to safely seek support.

 4. Get plenty of rest: Sleep deprivation can worsen OCD symptoms, so it is important to make sure you are getting enough rest. Make sure to establish a regular sleep schedule, aim to get at least 7-9 hours of sleep and avoid activities that can interfere with your sleep.

 5. Exercise: Exercise can help to reduce stress and anxiety, and can also help to improve your overall mental health. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day. 

6. Self-care: Taking care of yourself is essential for managing OCD or life in general. Make sure to take the time to do things that make you feel good. This could include dancing to punjabi music, listening to punjabi music, going for a walk and listening to punjabi music, because let's be real what's better than siddhu songs?