Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
It is very common, we wash our hands when dirty, we arrange our wardrobe when needed or we clean our home as required.
But…. If we become obsessed about one particular thing and get anxious all the time or preoccupied with one thing, then we start doing repetitive physical or mental acts. What will happen then???
OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) is a mental health condition characterized by distressing intrusive, obsessional thoughts and repetitive physical or mental acts.
For example washing hands like 20 times a day, taking bath for long time (hours and hours), perform waddu again and again, or thinking about namaz that is not been performed truly and perform again further more with, turning off a gas tap or securing a door time and again, doubts related to religious convictions, hoarding “inability to throw away used or useless possessions”. Obsessional impulses urge the patient to perform acts, usually of a violent or embarrassing or suicidal nature(DSM5).
Besides any of the mentioned conditions, it is hard to live a normal life. It leads to increase in anxiety/depression/depersonalization. These patients start living their lives in their own comfort zone. (Isolation) (DSM5).
Causes: Exact cause of OCD have not been identified completely yet, But it is thought to have “a neurobiological basis, with neuro-imaging studies showing that the brain functions differently in people with the disorder.
It’s a young age disease and almost equal in both genders but its more common in females in later age.
It can be fixed with a combination of Medical Intervention and CBT (cognitive behavior therapy) and it has good prognosis in early stages.
Remember… If your loved one is suffering from OCD, please don’t humiliate them instead you can help them by educating yourself about OCD. In this way your family relationship will improve and the person with OCD will feel more supported. Gradually you can help them moderate their behavior.
Help them find the right, appropriate and effective treatment by a professional. In cas, if they avoid going for help in the beginning then its your responsibility to see a doctor and discuss the possible treatments and medication for the patient.
Take action; Don’t wait!
