OCD: What is obsessive compulsive disorder and how to manage it

If you like seeing your kitchen spotless or feel the need to clean your room immediately after someone visits, you are labeled someone with an OCD or obsessive-compulsive disorder. While OCD is often used synonymously with a compulsive need to clean everything around you, this disorder entails more than that. OCD is a debilitating mental health condition that can affect a person’s life and impact their relationships as well. If you think you have the condition, you should look out for some other signs of OCD than cleaning.

What is obsessive-compulsive disorder or OCD?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that has majorly to do with obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are intrusive thoughts or fears that you know are wrong but you are still not able to shake. Compulsions, on the other hand, are repetitive behaviours that people feel that they are obligated to perform.

It is often misunderstood as a medical condition that is mainly linked to the obsession with keeping things clean. People affected with OCD often go through emotional turmoil, resulting in intrusive thoughts. It is more than just being neat and organized. One might feel helpless and powerless against the irrational demands of your mind which might seem illogical to oneself and others, explains Psychiatrist Dr Santosh Bangar.

What is the connection between OCD and cleaning?

OCD is a disorder that causes people to have unwanted thoughts that may force them to repeat certain actions. These actions could include physical behaviours such as arranging objects in a particular order. Some people feel that completing these actions will help them deal with the anxiety caused by these distressing thoughts.

A person with OCD could have an obsession related to cleanliness including fears of contamination or illness. To deal with this anxiety, they repeat the behavior of cleaning or washing excessively. Hence, compulsive cleaning may become a part of a person’s life who suffers from this condition.

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Symptoms of OCD

This condition is characterized by the presence of obsessions, compulsions, or both. Some of the most common symptoms of OCD include:

Obsessions

OCD obsessions are persistent, unpleasant thoughts or desires that recur. You could try to ignore them or use ritualistic behaviour to get rid of them. Usually, these obsessions interfere with your ability to focus or perform other tasks as they can be persistent or difficult to ignore. Common themes of obsessions include:

• Fear of contamination
• Doubts about safety or harm
• A need for order or symmetry
• Aggressive or taboo thoughts
• Concerns about moral or religious issues

Compulsions

Repetitive behaviour or mental acts are a part of OCD and they are often in response to an obsession. It may provide a sense of relief to the patient but would not help in the future. They may manifest in ways that are beyond reason. You may experience:

• Washing and cleaning
• Handwashing
• Checking locks or appliances again
• Counting or repeating words
• Arranging items in a specific way

Symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder may fluctuate over time and stressful events can make them worse. If left untreated, these symptoms persist and become chronic so treatment is a must.

Causes of OCD

The exact cause of the condition is not fully known, but some theories suggest that the following could lead to the onset of OCD:

• Genetics
• Changes in the brain function
• Imbalance in chemical messengers of the brain or neurotransmitters
• Childhood trauma or abuse
• Certain personality traits like being too rigid, and trying to be perfect, can trigger OCD
• Unexplained fears and compulsive behaviours may develop from watching someone around you.
• Someone suffering from a mental health disorder such as depression, or substance abuse may experience OCD.

How to manage the symptoms of OCD?

To effectively manage and control symptoms associated with OCD one might need a combination of strategies, as suggested by the expert:

• Lifestyle modification like eating healthy food that contains fruits, vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and nuts.
• Medications as recommended by the expert to manage the symptoms.
• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is a form of psychological treatment that can help keep unwanted symptoms in check.
• Practicing mindfulness can help calm your mind and manage anxiety caused by the symptoms of OCD.
• Deep breathing exercises involve focusing on your breathing pattern for more than 5 to 10 minutes without getting distracted by other thoughts or feelings. This can help you stay calm even during stressful and challenging situations.
• Regular exercise of at least 30 to 40 minutes is important to keep your mind calm and yourself fit and healthy.
• Get at least 8 hours of sleep regularly to manage the symptoms of this condition.

Also Read: How to overcome OCD: Tips to deal with obsessive compulsive disorder

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Here are some FAQs answered by Dr Santosh Bangar:

How does OCD affect a person’s life?

OCD can take a toll on an individual’s physical and psychological health. Constantly following these ongoing cycles of obsession and compulsion can increase your mental load and lead to feelings of irritation, agitation, guilt, sadness, anger, embarrassment, helplessness, and depression. It can significantly impact their personal and professional life while disrupting their daily routine. People with this condition often struggle to maintain their relations leading to exhaustion, explains Dr Bangar.

What can make OCD symptoms worse?

Symptoms associated with OCD like easily getting hyper, social isolation, overthinking, depression, nightmares, being impulsive, repeating the same words continuously, panic attacks, and constant fear can easily get triggered. It would only worsen the condition. There can be various factors that could potentially trigger these symptoms like stressful situations, sudden trauma, and an increase in anxiety levels. Mental health conditions like excessive stress, anxiety, and depression, can worsen the symptoms over time.

What are the risk factors that lead to OCD?

Symptoms of OCD and its severity can vary from person to person and certain factors can significantly trigger these symptoms. Going through difficult and stressful times can affect your overall condition. Consuming alcohol or smoking can interfere with your brain chemicals making it challenging for individuals to manage their condition. Not getting appropriate treatments can deteriorate your overall health, particularly OCD. Major life changes like shifting to a new city, sustaining tough job policies, and losing your loved ones like family or friends can worsen your condition.