DEFNINITION
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a type of anxiety disorder that is characterized by an excessive number of intrusive thoughts that disturb the emotions of the patients. The compensating strategies of the patients include repetitive behaviors that have the purpose of counteract the symptoms of OCD. A combination of techniques such as obsessions and compulsions are used by the patients and are as displayed as signs of the symptoms of OCD.
CAUSES
People with OCD can often understand the underlying cause of their obsessive thoughts and patterns of behaviors, but often exhibit the symptoms of inability to control their impulsive symptomatic OCD behaviors. The majority of scientists come to the conclusion that a chemical imbalance in the brain is the most important cause of the Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Some other theories include influence from family environment or problems with patients’ own personalities. This condition can also be caused by other medical conditions such as brain injuries. Genetics have a very big influence on the development of OCD and people should be very careful of their family’s medical history and develop strategies to prevent the symptoms of OCD from occurring.
Specific brain regions and brain chemicals are associated with OCD as related to the cause and treatment of OCD. A variety of other mental disorders is affected by the same chemical changes in the brain and as a result, can be triggered by OCD and patients should be careful of it. Two emotions have strong relations with OCD such as fear and anxiety. Stress is very important in triggering a variety of mental disorders including OCD. Generally, people with OCD have abnormalities with the neurotransmitter serotonin which has a role in regulating anxiety.
SYMPTOMS
- Inability to control troublesome thoughts and behaviors
- Repetitive patterns of behaviors and the reliance of the same rituals over and over again
- Uncontrolled thoughts and images repetitively emerging in brains
- Inability to experience pleasure from the patients’ repetitive behaviours and rituals, but the accompanying anxiety can actually help the patients to get relief from their troublesome situations
- Excessive amount of time spent on symptomatic thoughts and rituals to the degree of affecting every life activities
- Excessive amount of fear of harming others
- Unreasonable aversion to certain numbers of objects
- An unreasonable level of standard for cleanliness and neatness
TEATMENTS
Medication is the common method for treating OCD. There are two most common emotions being involved in OCD which are hurt and anxiety and as a result, anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications are two most commonly prescribed medications for this sickness. Anti-anxiety medications have to be used carefully because of its significant side effects whereas antidepressants are much safer in terms of long-term usage because of its less severe side effects. Despite this, the intake of the medications has to be managed carefully because the potential problems that can occur when increasing or decreasing the dosage to control the symptoms.
To control the symptoms of OCD, psychotherapy is to aid the effects of the medication to treat patients. Obsessive thoughts and impulsive behaviors are what psychotherapies are trying to treat and control. Usually patients are being taught different and better ways to control their thinking patterns, behaviors, and troublesome emotional reactions in order to achieve gradual recovery.
When choosing between medications and psychotherapies, the doctor should manage it carefully depending on the specific circumstances of the patients. For some people, a carefully distribution of medications and psychotherapies is the best option. There is one type of psychotherapy that is extremely helpful in control the symptoms of OCD which is called exposure and response prevention.
REFERENCES
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obsessive%E2%80%93compulsive_disorder#Behavioral_therapy