obsessive-compulsive disorder,

Obsessive-compulsive disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder is a type of anxiety-related disorder characterized by irrational thoughts and fears that lead to compulsive behaviour. People with obsessive-compulsive disorder are sometimes aware that their obsessive behavior is irrational, and try to ignore or change it, but these attempts only intensify the distress and anxiety even more.

In conclusion, compulsive behaviors are mandatory for them to alleviate distress, and obsessive-compulsive disorder may focus on a specific topic, such as fear of infection with germs, for example.

Some people with obsessive-compulsive disorder, to feel safe, wash their hands so compulsively that they cut and scar themselves.

Despite the attempts and efforts made, disturbing, obsessive, and compulsive thoughts are repeated and continue to cause distress and discomfort, and this may lead to behaviors that take the nature of ceremonies and rituals, which represent a harsh and painful episode that characterizes obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a rare disease, but it is known today that obsessive-compulsive disorder is more prevalent than many other mental illnesses.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder begins at an early age, often in childhood or adolescence, and generally at about the age of ten. Among adults, obsessive-compulsive disorder appears at about the age of 21.

Obsessive-compulsive themes

The themes differ according to the type of actions

1. Themes of obsessive behavior

These obsessions generally revolve around a specific topic, such as

Fear of getting dirty or contaminated.

The need for order and symmetry.

Unbridled aggressive desires.

Thoughts or fantasies about sex.

2. Themes of compulsive behaviour

Compulsive behaviors in people with obsessive-compulsive disorder are related to a specific topic, such as:

Shower and hygiene.

count.

Examination.

The need for reinforcements.

Return to a specific action several times.

the system.

Obsessive-compulsive symptoms

Frequent hand washing is a symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is characterized by both obsessive and compulsive symptoms.

1. Obsessive-compulsive disorder obsessive-compulsive symptoms

Obsessive symptoms are recurrent, stubborn or involuntary thoughts and fantasies, or involuntary urges that lack any logic.

These obsessions cause disturbance and distress when trying to direct thinking to other matters, or when doing other actions.

Symptoms associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder include

Fear of infection as a result of shaking hands with others, or touching objects that have been touched by others.

Doubts about locking the door, or turning off the oven.

Thoughts about causing harm to others in a road accident.

Extreme distress in cases where the objects are not properly arranged or are not heading in the right direction.

Fantasies about harming children.

A desire to scream loudly in inappropriate situations.

Refrain from situations that can provoke obsessive-compulsive disorder, such as shaking hands, for example.

Recurrent fantasies of pornographic images.

Skin infections due to frequent hand washing.

Skin scars as a result of excessive treatment.

Hair loss, or localized alopecia, as a result of hair pulling.

Compulsive symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder

Compulsive symptoms are repetitive behaviors that are the result of uncontrollable urges and impulses.

These repetitive behaviors are supposed to reduce anxiety or distress associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

For example, people who believe they have run over another person repeatedly return to the scene of events, as they cannot get rid of doubts, and sometimes they may invent laws and rituals that help control the anxiety aroused as a result of obsessive thoughts.

Symptoms associated with compulsive behavior include

Washing hands until the skin peels off.

Frequently checking doors to make sure they are locked.

Frequently check the oven to make sure it is turned off.

Counting and counting in certain patterns.

Causes and risk factors for obsessive-compulsive disorder

Learn about the causes and risk factors that cause obsessive-compulsive disorder.

1. The causes of obsessive-compulsive disorder

There is no clear etiology for obsessive-compulsive disorder. Central theories regarding possible causative factors for obsessive-compulsive disorder include:

Biological factors

There is some evidence that obsessive-compulsive disorder is the result of a chemical change in the affected person''s body or brain functioning.

There is also evidence that obsessive-compulsive disorder may be linked to certain genetic factors, but the genes responsible for obsessive-compulsive disorder have not yet been identified and diagnosed.

environmental factors

Some researchers believe that obsessive-compulsive disorder results from habits and behaviors acquired over time.

Insufficient level of serotonin

Serotonin is one of the chemicals necessary for the functioning of the brain. If the level of serotonin is insufficient and less than necessary, then this is likely to contribute to the emergence of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

It was found that the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder diminish and lessen in people with obsessive-compulsive disorder who take drugs that increase the effectiveness of serotonin.

Streptococcus bacteria in the larynx

There is research claiming that obsessive-compulsive disorder may have developed in certain children following laryngitis caused by streptococcus bacteria in the larynx.

However, opinions were divided about the credibility of this research, and it should be supported by more evidence in order for it to be recognized that streptococcus in the larynx can cause obsessive-compulsive disorder.

risk factors

There are factors that may increase the risk of developing or triggering obsessive-compulsive disorder:

family history

A life burdened with stress and pressure.

pregnancy.

Complications of obsessive-compulsive disorder

Complications that may result from obsessive-compulsive disorder, or that may be related to obsessive-compulsive disorder, include:

Suicidal thoughts and acting accordingly.

Addiction to alcohol or other substances.

Another anxiety disorder.

depression.

Eating disorders.

Post-contact dermatitis due to frequent hand washing.

Inability to work or learn.

Problematic social relationships.

Diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder

When a doctor or psychiatrist suspects that someone is suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder, they conduct a series of medical and psychological examinations.

These tests help diagnose obsessive-compulsive disorder, by denying other medical conditions that can lead to the appearance of the same symptoms, and help in searching for other additional complications related to obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Diagnostic tests

These examinations include

physical examination.

Laboratory tests.

Psychological assessment.

Diagnostic criteria for obsessive-compulsive disorder

The criteria for diagnosing obsessive-compulsive disorder are

The person being examined is behaving obsessive-compulsively.

The person being examined notes that his or her obsessive or compulsive behavior is exaggerated, or that it is irrational.

Obsessive or compulsive behavior negatively and severely affects daily routine life.

1. Norms of obsessive behavior

Obsessive behavior must meet the following criteria

Repetitive thoughts, desires, urges, and disturbing fantasies that cause distress.

Thoughts are not just exaggerated anxiety about real life problems.

The person being examined attempts to ignore or deny thoughts, fantasies, or desires.

Teaching the person being examined that thoughts, fantasies and desires are a figment of his or her imagination.

2. Compulsive behavior criteria

The compulsive behavior must meet the following criteria

Doing certain actions repeatedly and involuntarily, such as: washing hands, or counting in a whisper.

The goal of the compulsive behavior is to prevent or reduce the distress caused by unrealistic obsessions.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder treatment

Obsessive-compulsive disorder treatment is a complex process and is not guaranteed to be effective and successful in all cases.

Sometimes there may be a need for continuous treatment that lasts for life, however, obsessive-compulsive disorder treatment can be useful in helping the patient deal with symptoms, confront them, and prevent them from controlling the course of his life.

Treatments used for obsessive-compulsive disorder

The best and most successful treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder varies according to the patient himself, his personal situation and his preferences, and the combination of psychotherapy and pharmacological treatment is often very successful.

1. Psychological treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to be the most effective treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder among children and adults alike.

2. Pharmacological treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder

There are certain medications to treat mental illnesses that can help control the obsessions and compulsive behaviors that characterize obsessive-compulsive disorder.

OCD treatment often begins with antidepressants, which may be useful in treating OCD, because they raise serotonin levels, which may be low in people with OCD.

Antidepressants approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder include:

Clomipramine.

Fluvoxamine.

Fluoxetine.

Paroxetine.

Sertraline.

All psychiatric medications have side effects and potential health risks.

The psychiatrist must be informed of all emerging effects and side effects and consulted regarding monitoring and follow-up measures that must be taken during the use of psychotropic drugs, specifically: Antipsychotic drugs.

Some medicines can cause dangerous interactions when taken with other medicines, certain foods, or other substances.

The doctor must be informed of all used medications and preparations that do not require a prescription, including vitamins, salts, and medicinal herbs.

3. Other methods of treating obsessive-compulsive disorder

Sometimes medications or psychotherapy aren''t effective enough to treat the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

In some rare cases, other treatment methods are used for obsessive-compulsive disorder, including:

Admitting the patient to the psychiatric department.

Electroconvulsive therapy - ECT.

Intracranial magnetic stimulation.

Deep brain stimulation.

These methods have not been tested as methods of treating obsessive-compulsive disorder, so it should be ensured that you understand and understand their pros, cons, and risks.

Prevention of obsessive-compulsive disorder