Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
And it's Influence on the Mind
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, more commonly known as OCD, is a mental illness which causes obsessive, intrusive thoughts, which eventually lead to repetitive compulsions. People with OCD often suffer with common intrusive thoughts that revolve around things such as germs or organization. Other themes may include having difficulty dealing with uncertainty, thoughts of harming yourself and/ or others around you, and unwanted thoughts of sexual or religious subjects. Symptoms vary from patient to patient, especially considering the theme of that person’s OCD. Compulsions are the consequence of the force of these thoughts. These compulsions, or repetitive behaviors, are meant to relieve anxiety. However, these compulsions are short-term solutions, as the feeling of relief is short-lived.
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Common Symptoms of OCD
According to Heathline, “Obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors associated with OCD generally last more than an hour each day and interfere with daily life.” Symptoms are inherently laid out in the “Obsession” and “Compulsion” sections. To understand the differences between obsession and compulsions, State of Mind recommends reading the following articles-
-IMPORTANT-
The team behind State of Mind are not medical professionals. State of Mind does not condone self-diagnosing in any way, shape, or form. To receive a proper diagnosis, check with your doctors before approaching the treatment process.
If a person has germaphobia, this does not translate to OCD. If a person is extremely organized, this does not translate to OCD. If you or a family/ friend are experiencing symptoms of OCD, talk to a medical professional to get an official diagnosis.
Common Misconceptions and the danger of Self Diagnosis
OCD has been commonly misinterpreted throughout all forms of media. In TV shows, books, and PSAs, people with OCD have been painted as people with extreme organization skills and extreme germaphobia. This is not the truth of OCD. Although some people with OCD may use organization or cleaning as their compulsions, this does not show the full picture of OCD. People with OCD use other compulsions to cope with their intrusive thoughts, which include more than just germs and organization. OCD should never be used as an adjective. For more information and clarity, visit this site
Treatments for OCD
Once again, the team behind State of Mind are not medical professionals. State of Mind does not condone self-diagnosing in any way, shape, or form. To receive a proper diagnosis, check with your doctors before approaching the treatment process. There is no official cure for OCD, but there are many directions of treatment to help alleviate the severity of symptoms.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
This type of therapy can also be called “exposure therapy.” Patients are exposed to the types of situations that cause their compulsions, but they are stopped from performing them. This allows them to eventually cope and overcome their thoughts which eventually helps decrease risks of anxiety and depression.
CBT is not recommended for everyone, as it provokes a lot of anxiety, which can be unmanageable for some.
Severe OCD patients may sometimes hire caregivers to help exposure practice at home.
Self-care
Self care practices like Meditation, yoga, and massages may help ease stress and anxiety which are rooted in OCD. Different forms of self care may be more helpful in reducing different compulsions and symptoms. Check out our Self Care page and other sections in Mindful Mentality for resources.
Medication
SSRIs are the medications used to help with OCD. It stands for Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. The dosage is higher when treating OCD rather than depression. For more information on the specific medications used, see this guide for more info.
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Neurological Treatment
Although this practice can be effective, it is not used often due to historical prejudice. Neuromodulation, targets different neurological sites in the body with electrical and chemical stimulants with the goal of altering the nerve activity that triggers OCD symptoms.
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