What is OCD?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder in which an individual experiences unwanted repetitive thoughts (obsessions) or the urge to perform certain activities again and again (compulsions). Some common behaviours of a person with OCD are washing hands multiple times, counting things repetitively and checking to see if the door is locked, etc.
While it is normal for everyone to have anxious repetitive thoughts from time to time, what differentiates OCD from general anxiety? Let’s take a look at some symptoms of OCD.
What are the symptoms of OCD?
Common Obsessions:
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fear of contracting germs or dirt. You might hesitate to touch doorknobs, shake hands or even hug people due to this fear;
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the anxiety of hurting yourself or someone else. You might hesitate to participate in daily activities out of the fear of getting hurt;
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extremely cautious of order and symmetry. Everything has to be just right otherwise you feel agitated;.
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excessive fear of making a mistake. You need constant encouragement to ensure yourself you’re doing great.
Common Compulsions:
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washing and cleanliness. You obsessively wash your hands or keep taking regular baths even when it’s not needed;
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excessively double-checking things. You can’t help but keep making sure that kitchen appliances are turned off or your windows are locked;
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extremely cautious of order. Your clothes have to be placed in a particular manner, the food you eat should be in order otherwise you feel disturbed;
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praying excessively out of religious fear. You excessively focus on morals and repeatedly perform rituals out of anxiety.
How OCD can affect your life
People with OCD can experience a number of damaging effects on their personal and social life. A person with OCD might think they are crazy for having such thoughts. They might isolate themselves from others and damage their relationships. The longer you go through OCD without treatment, the lower self-esteem and depression you experience.
A person might feel embarrassed or resent their behaviour afterwards. Having compulsions and obsessions can have a detrimental impact on an individual’s mental health and make it difficult for them to continue their day-to-day lives.
Benefits of psychotherapy and counselling for OCD?
OCD is a difficult condition to deal with on your own. But, getting professional help can turn out to be the one big step you take towards changing your life.
Psychotherapy is considered an effective and viable treatment for helping you overcome symptoms of OCD. It teaches people practices and internal strategies that they can use to resist their obsessions and compulsions. The coping techniques you learn can have lifelong benefits on your condition. A professional therapist may use a variety of effective approaches based on your condition, including:
- Integrative Psychotherapy
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
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Exposure therapy
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Habit reversal training
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Imaginal exposure etc.
Medications are also widely accredited for helping ease OCD. You can also get prescribed medications such as relaxants and anti-depressants. Medications can help receive instant benefits by decreasing the activity or balancing areas of your brain that cause hyperactivity in the first place.
