Obsessive Compulsive Disorder OCD – What are the symptoms and treatments?

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder OCD – What are the symptoms and treatments?

An anxiety disorder is the one that acts as an umbrella for various cases of abnormal and pathological fear and anxiety. There are different types of anxiety disorders that a person can have. Examples include phobic disorder and panic disorder. Another type of anxiety disorder is the so-called obsessive-compulsive disorder, which is defined as a disorder that causes a person to carry out repetitive obsessions and to complete a certain “ritual” due to nervousness. While people usually experience this disorder in childhood or teenage years, there have also been cases where it was diagnosed at the age of nineteen.

There are various symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). First is an obsession due to recurring thoughts and images about various things such as fear of germs, dirt or intruders. Images that enter the mind of a person with this disorder may include acts of violence, hurting loved ones, and sexual acts. The second symptom is repetitive rituals such as washing hands, counting, and locking and unlocking doors. The third symptom, on the other hand, involves the uncontrolled intrusion of unwanted thoughts and behaviors. People with OCD may not find pleasure in doing the rituals; rather, they are freed from the fear caused by the thoughts.

OCD Obsessive Compulsive Disorder can be inherited genetically from parents. However, there are still some who experience this even without a bloodline that has had this disorder. Often the cause of obsessive-compulsive disorder cannot be determined. Nonetheless, researchers continue to pave the way toward developing medications linked to OCD. These are made through consistent efforts to discover the connection of fear and anxiety to the brain. There have also been various research attempts in which stress and environmental factors are correlated with OCD and considered as factors responsible for OCD.

There are different methods in which Obsessive compulsive disorder OCD can be cured. This can be done through medication, psychotherapy, or both. Psychotherapy refers to what is known as cognitive behavioral therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy, considered the most widely used treatment for people with this disorder, helps the patient learn new ways of thinking, behaving, or even responding in different situations. This, in turn, helps the patient to be less anxious or anxious without acting or even thinking about it compulsively. Another method used in psychotherapy is known as exposure and response prevention, particularly in moderating compulsive behavior.

The most commonly used medications for people with OCD are antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications. The effects on this disorder usually last around ten to twelve weeks. Some medications can cause side effects such as nausea, headaches, or difficulty sleeping. It all depends on how the medication reacts to the person. However, taking the medication in fewer milligrams can help reduce these side effects. Therefore, it is advisable to discuss the medications with a personal doctor, especially if some medications are in a black box. These black boxes serve as a warning to the patient and the doctor because the use of this type of antidepressant can cause suicidal thoughts.

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