Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) - Types, Symptoms, Causes & Treatments

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition which is primarily prevalent among adults. It disrupts the state of mind and make people perform some unusual activities. A 

Read along to learn all about this disorder, its types, symptoms, causes, treatments and ways to prevent it.

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that results in recurrent, unpleasant thoughts or sensations or the impulse to do an action repeatedly.

Also, another characteristic of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic and persistent anxious state of mind. It holds individuals in an endless loop of repetitive obsessions and compulsions, which are

• Obsessions

People with OCD have distressing and recurrent cravings or worries that they are unable to control. This extreme anxiety is intrigued primarily by obsessive thoughts.

• Compulsions

People with OCD may succumb to certain behaviours, rituals, or routines to manage their obsessions and anxiety and keep doing it. Although while performing those, they don't enjoy it and don't want to engage in these compulsive activities. However, they believe that their anxiousness will worsen if they don't follow along. 

Compulsions are only a temporary solution. The compulsions quickly recur in response to the obsessions and create a loop that leads to a cycle of anxiety.

A few of the most common types of OCD include the following:

Checking

In the case of checking, an obsessive fear is a persistent desire to check and double-check things, whereas compulsion is the attempt to stop harm or damage. However, a few of the common examples of checking include the following:       

• Memories

• Reassurance

• Schizophrenia

• Re-reading text

• Pregnancy

• Sexual arousal

Contamination

An obsessive fear is that you will become polluted or dirty by touching anything. This fear is frequently influenced by the perception that the infection might hurt oneself. A few common instances of contamination include

• Door handles of public washrooms

• Bathrooms

• Brushing teeth

• Shaking hands

• Chemicals

• Crowds

• Eating in a public place

Ruminations

Rumination is an extended period of unproductive or undirected thought over an issue or theme. As these thoughts are not offensive; therefore, they are entertained rather than resisted. The majority of ruminations are on philosophical, religious, or metaphysical subjects like the afterlife, the universe's creation, or the nature of mortality.

For instance, "What happens to a person after death?" is an illustration of a rumination. Additionally, a person with OCD might consider many scenarios, picture heaven or hell, and reflect on what philosophers and scientists have stated about death.

Symmetry and Orderliness

This compulsion is the need to maintain a symmetry or a specific order. In this regard, obsessive fear is the "proper method" to ensure everything is kept in working order.

Intrusive Thoughts

Intrusive thoughts are obsessive, negative, repeating, and frequently terrifying thoughts. For instance, having ideas about hurting a loved one physically or sexually. A few of those examples might also include the following – 

• Relationship intrusive thoughts
• Religious intrusive thoughts
• Violent intrusive thoughts
• Sexual intrusive thoughts

In OCD, patients can experience obsessional symptoms, compulsive symptoms, or both. But, most importantly, these symptoms can affect every element of life, including work, school, and interpersonal interactions.

Obsessions

Obsessions are anxious-inducing, recurrent thoughts, desires, or mental images. Typical signs include:

• Aversion to contamination or germs
• Aggressive ideas about oneself or others
• Unwanted thoughts about harm, sex, or other topics that are forbidden or taboo
• Having everything in perfect symmetry or order

Compulsions

Compulsions are recurrent actions that an individual feels driven to carry out in reaction to an intrusive thought. Common compulsive behaviours include:

• Excessive washing of hands or cleaning
• Repeatedly checking to see if everything is in order, such as repeatedly checking to see if the oven is off or the door is locked
• Placing and arranging items in a certain, exact manner
• Compulsive counting

It is important to note that not every ritual or habit results in compulsion, and everyone occasionally checks things twice. But typically, an OCD sufferer:

• Is unable to exercise self-control, even when excessive behaviour or thoughts are being displayed
• Doesn’t enjoy engaging in the actions or routines but may experience a momentary reprieve from the discomfort they bring on
• Spends at least one hour every day engaging in these ideas or actions
• Has severe issues with these ideas or actions in their day-to-day lives

Also, some people who have OCD suffer from tic disorders. For instance, motor tics include shoulder shrugging, facial grimacing, and head or shoulder jerking. Also, repetitive throat clearing, sniffing, or grunting noises are typical vocal tics.

The reason behind OCD is still not fully understood by scientists. However, a person may be more likely to experience an episode of OCD if certain circumstances or events occur. A few such causes include:

• Moving, getting married or divorced, starting a new school or work, or changing one's living environment.
• Overactivity in certain brain regions.
• History of getting abused.
• A loved one's death or another emotional hardship.
• Illness (For instance, if you have the flu, you may start a cycle of stressing about germs and washing constantly). 
• Low amounts of serotonin.
• Issues in a significant connection.
• Issues at the office or school.

A few of the risk factors of OCD include:

• Physical differences in specific parts of the brain
• A family member with OCD
• History of trauma
• Anxiety, depression, or tics
• A history of sexual or physical abuse 

After a streptococcal infection, a child may occasionally develop OCD. This condition is referred to as PANDAS (paediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections).

Unfortunately, there is no specific test to diagnose Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. But your doctor may perform a physical test and blood tests to ensure that only OCD is causing your symptoms. Additionally, they will also have conversations with you concerning your thoughts, feelings, and habits.

You must consult a healthcare professional if the symptoms of OCD are affecting your daily life. After consultation, your doctor can suggest the following approaches:

1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

In cognitive-behavioural therapy, you will speak with a therapist who will assist you in exploring and comprehending your feelings and thoughts. Then, through a series of sessions, CBT can assist you in breaking bad behaviours and possibly replacing them with more beneficial coping mechanisms.

2. Medications

In medication, selective SRIs (SSRIs), serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs), and tricyclic antidepressants are possible treatments for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. They are prescribed to raise serotonin levels. A few examples include Fluoxetine, Clomipramine, Paroxetine, Fluvoxamine, and Sertraline.

3. Exposure and Response Prevention (EX/RP)

With this therapy, you engage in an anxiety-provoking activity. After that, the medical professional then stops you from reacting with a compulsion. For instance, the doctor can invite you to touch something filthy but forbid you from washing your hands afterwards.

If CBT and medication are ineffective for treating OCD, a healthcare professional may consider the following methods to reduce depression and improve mood:

4. Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

In electroconvulsive therapy, doctors use electrodes that are affixed to the head. These wires provide shocks to the brain with electricity. As a result, small seizures are made, aiding the brain's chemical release.

5. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

In transcranial magnetic stimulation, an on-the-head magnetic device is used, and the brain receives electrical signals. After that, the brain releases chemicals known to lift the mood due to the impulses.

There is a distinction between having OCD and being a perfectionist, such as someone who demands flawless performance or outcomes. OCD thoughts can go beyond excessive worry that can cause actual issues in your life or a preference for order or cleanliness.

So, consult a medical or mental health expert if your obsessions and compulsions impact your quality of life.

Prevention of OCD is not possible. However, early detection and treatment might help you lessen the symptoms and impact on your life. Also, it is best to consult a mental health professional, as they can properly guide you based on your severity. 

It is important to note that Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) doesn't go away on its own, so it is advised to discuss your symptoms with your healthcare professional. Also, be open about any obsessions or compulsions you may have, as well as how they are impacting your life. Additionally, to help you manage your symptoms at work, you can engage in social activities to feel more productive.