Patient with OCD experience excessive
repetitive and unwanted thoughts which cause them to feel anxious (these are
obsessions), and complete repetitive or mental rituals as a way to cope with or
reduce this anxiety (these are called compulsions)
The symptoms of OCD may vary between patients
to patients. But the common concerns are about causing harm to themselves or to
others, becoming contaminated, a need for things to be ordered or repetitive
and upsetting thoughts. These symptoms of OCD can occur in everyone to some
degree, however OCD is diagnosed and treatment is needed when these symptoms
interfere in the patient’s ability to live their life the way they would like.
Their symptoms might get in the way of their relationships, being able to work
or go to school or engage in other day to day activities.
The compulsions or things patient with OCD
might do to try to cope with their anxiety or distress include:
1.
Excessive checking.
2.
Washing & cleaning.
3.
Arranging things.
4.
Repeating routine activities.
5.
Activities like saying a silent
prayer.
6.
Repeating safe words or
phrases.
7.
Constantly reviewing conversations
with people.
8.
Avoiding situations that
trigger their obsessions.
Amazing point to note there is that patient
with OCD often know that their concerns and behaviours are unreasonable/excessive,
but they feel compelled to engage in these activities to prevent harm.
Causative
factors
A number of factors are thought to play a
part in OCD. Evidence suggests that in some cases the condition may run in
families and is linked to certain inherited genes that affect the brain's
development. Brain imaging studies have also shown that patient with OCD have
abnormalities, such as increased blood flow in some parts of their brain.
Studies have also shown that people with OCD have an imbalance of serotonin in
their brain. “Serotonin” is a neurotransmitter that the brain uses to transmit
information from one brain cell to another.
Main
Symptoms of OCD
1.
Concerns about causing harm to
themselves or to others on purpose.
2.
Becoming contaminated from
dirt/germs, bodily waste or secretions, or environmental contaminants (such as
household cleaners)
3.
A need for things to be
symmetrical, ordered, or perfect, to prevent bad things happening or because it
just feels right.
4.
Repetitive and upsetting
thoughts and images.
Treatment
Patient with OCD are often reluctant to report
their symptoms to their DOCTOR because they feel ashamed or embarrassed. They
may also try to disguise their symptoms from family and friends. However, if
you have OCD, there is nothing to feel ashamed or embarrassed about. OCD is a
long-term health condition like diabetes or asthma and it is not your fault you
have it.You should at once visit your DOCTOR if you have OCD. Initially, they
will probably ask a number of questions such as how often you clean and whether
you are concerned about putting things in a particular order. If your DOCTOR
suspects OCD, you may need to be assessed by a specialist. Keep in mind, Obsessive
Compulsive Disorder is treatable. The best treatment involves.
1.
Learning about your symptoms.
2.
Learning how to control those
symptoms, and slowly (and gradually) practicing going into situations you fear
(to teach yourself, slowly and gradually, that you can manage those
situations).
BE AWARE
Some patient with OCD also develops
depression. They should not ignore feelings of depression because they can
become more severe if they are left untreated. Untreated depression will also
make it more difficult to cope with the symptoms of OCD. They may be depressed
if they have been feeling very down during the past month and things they used
to enjoy no longer give them pleasure. If this is the case, they should visit
their DOCTOR. Patient with OCD and severe depression may sometimes have
suicidal feelings. They can talk to their DOTOR about getting a referral to a
Clinical Psychologist, Psychiatrist, or another mental health professional to
learn to manage OCD.
Source: Dr. Imtiaz Syed, M.B,B.S, MBA, CRA,
PCQI, CPC
LinkedIn: http://uk.linkedin.com/pub/imtiaz-syed/13/89/841
,
Redditch, Gloucestershire. UK
Written by Nadeem Zia
OpenDoor aims to provide Health Awareness. l OpenDoor is a platform used to Learn and Coach.
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