Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
This condition features a pattern of useless thoughts and fears (obsession) that results in repetitive behavior (compulsions). These obsession and compulsions causes significant distress by interfering with daily activities.
Symptoms: In obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms can be of both or just one of obsession and compulsions.
Obsession symptoms
- Fear of dirt or contamination
- Doubting
- Need of being organized everytime
- Horrific and aggressive thoughts about harming yourself or others
- Unpleasant sexual images
Compulsion symptoms
- Washing hands until skin become raw
- Checking doors repeatedly for making sure they are locked
- Counting in certain pattern
- Repeating silently a prayer, word or phrase
- Arranging your canned goods to face the same way
Causes
Exact cause of this condition is not known but main theories include:
- It can be the result of changes in own’s body natural chemistry or brain function
- Genetical factors
- This behavior can be learned from the family during a long time
Complications
- Wasting of a lot of time engaging in ritualistic behavior
- Contact dermatitis due to frequent hand washing
- Poor quality of life
- Suicidal thoughts
Diagnosis
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is diagnosed in following steps:
- Psychological evaluation
- Diagnostic criteria for OCD in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association.
- Complete general physical examination
Treatment
Treatment options include:
- Psychotherapy
- Medications can be prescribed like antidepressant and antipsychotic medications.
- Deep brain stimulation (DBS)
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)