Overview
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health illness marked by recurrent, unwelcome thoughts, ideas, or feelings (obsessions) that push a person to engage in ritualistic actions or mental acts (compulsions) in an effort to alleviate anxiety or stop something negative from happening. The obsessions can obstruct everyday life and interpersonal connections and take up a lot of time.
OCD is thought to be a result of a complex interaction of genetic, neurological, and environmental factors, however its specific origins are not entirely known. According to certain studies, a breakdown in the serotonin neurotransmitter circuit in the brain may be to blame. Furthermore, recent research has indicated that particular brain regions associated with OCD may differ in terms of their structure and functionality.
Obsessions and compulsions are two common OCD symptoms, however they can differ from person to person. Fears of danger, contamination, unwelcome sexual impulses, and an extreme fascination with order and symmetry are examples of common obsessions. Compulsive behaviours might include overly cleaning, counting, double-checking, and repeating words or prayers.
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How OCD Affects us ?
The severity of OCD can significantly affect a person’s quality of life. It may be time-consuming and stressful to constantly cycle among obsessions and compulsions, which makes it challenging to maintain relationships and fulfil daily obligations. OCD sufferers also run the risk of developing depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
It’s crucial to remember that OCD is not always indicated by obsessive thoughts or compulsive activities. Before leaving the house, it is common practise to confirm that the oven is off and the door is closed, for instance. Yet, it could be a sign of OCD when these habits and thoughts start to become excessive and interfere with everyday living.
OCD sufferers may feel a lot of shame and guilt over their obsessions and compulsions. They could try very hard to keep their feelings and actions hidden from others if they feel ashamed of their thoughts and actions. Feelings of loneliness and isolation may result from this. It’s critical for people with OCD to realise that their thoughts and actions are not a reflection of their character; rather, they are signs of a mental health issue.
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What are obsessions and compulsions ?
Obsessions are unwelcome and persistent thoughts, ideas, impulses, or pictures that frequently cross a person’s mind and cause them to feel very anxious or distressed. These thoughts might be on a variety of subjects, including excessive concern with order and symmetry, fear of damage or contamination, unwanted sexual ideas, and dread of contamination. These ideas can be stressful and hard to stop or control.
Compulsions are compulsive actions or mental activities that a person feels compelled to engage in as a result of an obsession or in accordance with strict guidelines. Compulsions are frequently practised in an effort to lessen the tension brought on by an obsession or to stop something negative from occurring. These may involve actions like obsessive cleaning, counting, checking, and praying or repeating particular words or phrases.
It is important to note that while obsessions and compulsions often occur together, not all people with obsessive thoughts also have compulsions and vice versa. Additionally, having obsessive thoughts or engaging in compulsive behaviors alone do not necessarily indicate obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD); it is when these thoughts and behaviors become excessive and interfere with daily life that it may be indicative of OCD.
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what are the symptoms of obsessions ?
- Persistent and recurring thoughts, ideas, images, or impulses that cause significant anxiety or distress
- Fear of harm, contamination, or making a mistake
- Unwanted sexual or violent thoughts
- Excessive concern with order, symmetry, or religious or moral issues
- Difficulty controlling or stopping these thoughts
- Doubts about one’s own sanity or the reality of the thoughts
- Avoiding places, people, or situations that trigger these thoughts
- Difficulty concentrating or completing tasks because of these thoughts
- Increased feelings of depression and anxiety
- Feeling shame, guilt, or disgust related to the thoughts
- Physical symptoms such as muscle tension, headaches, or stomachaches due to the anxiety caused by these thoughts.
what are the symptoms of compulsions ?
- Repetitive behaviors or mental acts that a person feels driven to perform in response to an obsession or according to rigid rules
- Excessive cleaning, washing, or grooming
- Repeatedly checking things (e.g. locks, appliances, or safety of others)
- Counting, arranging, or organizing things in a specific way
- Repeating words, phrases, prayers or mantras
- Hoarding or collecting things that have little or no value
- Mental rituals such as praying, repeating a word, or mentally reviewing a past event
- Performing compulsive behavior to reduce anxiety or prevent something bad from happening
- Difficulty stopping or controlling the compulsive behavior despite recognizing it as excessive or unreasonable
- The compulsive behavior taking up a significant amount of time each day (more than an hour)
- Distress if the compulsive behavior is not possible to perform
- Avoiding situations or places that may trigger the need to perform a compulsion
- Physical symptoms such as muscle tension, headaches, or stomachaches due to the anxiety caused by the compulsions.
A WORD FROM PSYCHOLOGYSAGA
In conclusion, OCD is a mental health condition characterized by persistent, unwanted thoughts, ideas, or sensations (obsessions) that drive a person to perform repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) in an attempt to reduce anxiety or prevent something bad from happening. It is believed to be a combination of genetic, neurological.
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