For both the sufferer and their family, OCD is a very distressing illness. OCD can be difficult to diagnose and, as a result, difficult to treat because there is no definite cause. Continue reading to learn about the elements that have been connected to OCD.
With over a decade of experience treating OCD, Adarsh Rehabilitation uses a solution-oriented, clinically validated therapy approach to create a personalized treatment plan that meets all of your needs. We recognize that OCD affects not only the sufferer, but also the family. Our family therapy professionals, as well as our carers, support the individual's overall well-being to achieve holistic healing. We take excellent care of you at Adarsh Rehabilitation.
With more than 1 decades of experience in treating OCD, we, at Adarsh rehabilitation follow a solution-oriented and clinically verified treatment approach to build a customized treatment plan that caters to all your needs. We understand that OCD doesn’t affect the individual alone, but affects the family too. Our experts in family therapy, as well as our caregivers, ensure the individual’s complete well-being for holistic recovery. At Adarsh rehabilitation, we care for you.
The media may persuade you to assume that OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) is simply an obsession with hand washing. We sometimes dismiss obsessions as idiosyncrasies or believe that the person intentionally chooses to undertake these repetitive behaviors, perhaps even for pleasure, in an attempt to achieve ‘perfection.' OCD is a widely misunderstood disorder. In reality, these habits can be quite disruptive to daily life.
What exactly is OCD?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is defined by the presence of obsessions unwelcome thoughts, ideas, or sensations that cause a person to undertake repetitive mental or physical activities known as compulsions.
OCD was often regarded to be an anxiety disease because 'anxiety was a prevalent symptom in many people suffering from obsessive thoughts. They also engage in intensive ritual practices counteracting the effects of worry.
In an OCD episode, your mind becomes fixated on a single concept, and you find yourself repeating your activities over and over again. For example, you might check your fan/geyser/stove numerous times to make sure it's turned off because you're terrified of burning down your house, or you might keep washing your hands over and over because you're terrified of germs.
To others, these activities make no sense, but to sufferers, they appear to be the only way to alleviate the tension brought on by obsessive thoughts.
What are the causes of OCD?
OCD can be caused by a variety of factors that differ from person to person. The following are some of the most common causes of OCD:
· 1. PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Association with Streptococcal Infections) is a rare form of OCD caused by an infection of the same bacteria that causes strep throat and scarlet cancer. The immune system becomes confused and attacks the basal ganglia (a specific brain location), resulting in OCD.
· 2. Behavioral Causes: If you know someone with OCD, you'll notice that they frequently associate certain objects/situations with fear and begin avoiding them as much as possible. When they're under a lot of stress or have recently concluded a poor relationship, they're more likely to be afraid. They believe that avoiding the object is more doable than confronting the anxiety.
3. Brain Structure Imbalance: Imbalances in the chemical serotonin in the brain may have a role in the development of OCD. Furthermore, certain chromosome or gene variations may double a person's chances of having OCD.
4. Family History: One of the obsessive-compulsive disorder reasons is genetics and inheritance, where the individual may have inherited the disorder from a family member. According to research and surveys conducted among Indian youngsters, over 30% of them have close family members who suffer from OCD. In addition, children whose parents have OCD have an 8% chance of developing it themselves. (According to the source) However, there is still no solid evidence that OCD is inherited genetically.
5. Negative Reinforcement: Negative reinforcement (when something unpleasant or unpleasant is taken away when the desired activity is accomplished) can cause obsessive-compulsive disorder by stabilizing compulsive habits. Individuals engage in obsessive behaviors to alleviate their mental concerns.
6. Environmental Causes of OCD: According to a study, if you or someone in your immediate neighborhood has suffered from TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), your chances of developing OCD have increased. Individuals with OCD are triggered by environmental stimuli. These are some of the most common causes of OCD in the environment.
Additional elements that can lead to the development of OCD include social variables as well as a mixture of stressful life experiences such as disease, abuse, death of a loved one, ending a poor relationship, and other traumatic life experiences.
Few things you can do to help OCD patients
Maintain a clear and straightforward communication system:
People who suffer from OCD have a propensity of constantly seeking confirmation from others about their activities. In situations like this, it's important to keep verbal exchanges brief and to the point to decrease the risk of OCD triggering.
Create a welcoming environment:
You may observe certain lifestyle patterns that are tell-tale indications of OCD. Things are retained in a specific order, acts repeated, and so on. Rather than attempting to break the habit forcefully, you can reduce the obsessive behavior by simply agreeing not to participate in it. Instead of the person suffering from the ailment, this aids in the fight against it.
Recognize little gains:
Recovery is a long process. As in the instance of a healing OCD sufferer. You must promote beneficial improvements, no matter how minor they may appear to be. This extra layer of emotional support can help you get through the entire rehabilitation process. It motivates the individual to keep trying their hardest.
Treatment options for OCD
Treatment for OCD is determined by the severity of the symptoms you exhibit. Therapy, on the other hand, is one of the most effective therapies for OCD.
Medical practitioners can readily change your thinking patterns using psychotherapy procedures like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). Doctors and therapists can help you reduce the effects of OCD and stop repetitive/obsessive thinking by using exposure and response prevention techniques.
Apart from psychotherapy, other treatment options for OCD include relaxation (yoga, meditation, and massage sessions), medication (a dosage of psychiatric drugs like citalopram, fluoxetine, and others), and neuromodulation (therapy using devices that change the electrical activity in certain areas of your brain to stop repetitive behaviors).
After learning about the key reasons that cause OCD, what triggers OCD, and how OCD develops in individuals, it is reasonable to infer that - the reasons for OCD vary so widely that there isn't a single thing that can make it go away forever.
Apart from psychotherapy, other treatment options that can help you with the treatment of OCD include - relaxation (includes yoga, meditation, and massage sessions), medication (includes a dosage of psychiatric drugs like citalopram, fluoxetine, etc.), and neuromodulation (includes therapy using devices that change the electrical activity in certain areas of your brain) putting a stop to repetitive thoughts. Nonetheless, with treatment, the patient's condition can be adequately managed, allowing them to live a happy life.
After having understood the major factors of what causes OCD, what triggers OCD, and how does OCD develop within an individual, it won’t be wrong to conclude that – causes of OCD vary so greatly that there isn't just one thing that is going to make it go away forever. Nevertheless, with treatment, the condition can be effectively managed so that the patient can live a fulfilling life.
Why choose Adarsh as a rehabilitation center?
At Adarsh Rehabilitation, we provide customized OCD treatment regimens that address the requirements of both the individual with OCD and their family/caregivers. From diagnosis through post-treatment, our multispecialty team of experts is there for you. Patients' progressive recovery and reintegration into society are ensured by our evidence-based therapy method. We're here to assist you!
FAQs about OCD
1. Is it possible to get rid of OCD?
OCD is regarded as a lifelong condition. OCD, like other mental health disorders, has no known cure. The therapy procedures are intended to reduce the symptoms and provide long-term respite to the patient.
2. Is it possible to cure OCD?
OCD will not go away unless it is treated by a mental health specialist. The situation may worsen. It's also worth mentioning that, though OCD symptoms may subside with proper treatment, they may return if you don't follow your treatment plan.
3. Is it possible that I have OCD?
OCD comes in a variety of forms. For example, some people have a dread of filth, while others want symmetry in their possessions; some people have aggressive ideas, while others obsess about keeping any one item. If you have a strong need to do something again and over again, it's time to seek help.
You may have OCD if you experience compulsions. Self-diagnosis, on the other hand, is strictly prohibited. Make no decisions without consulting a trained specialist first. Make an appointment with a mental health professional who specializes in OCD to get your illness diagnosed.
4. What is the treatment for OCD?
Treatment for OCD differs from person to person, depending on the nature and degree of the disorder. Self-care, drugs, and talk therapy are all examples. If you have OCD, speak with a professional to determine the best course of treatment for your specific needs and requirements.
5. Should I consult a doctor about my OCD?
The severity of OCD varies from person to person. The symptoms may be modest for some, but they may be severe for others. Those with minor symptoms may see their condition worsen. In any case, anyone whose "compulsion" or "obsessiveness" for something is now interfering with their employment, relationship, or daily life should seek medical attention.
Disclaimer: We make every effort to treat our patients with respect and care. We recognize that mental illness is a sickness rather than a sign of weakness. The term mental health issue is utilized to stay relevant to user search patterns and normal usage, not in a disparaging way. If you or a loved one suffers from OCD or cares for someone who does, please offer your unique perspective on how we can enhance this information for our readers.
Adarsh Rehabilitation is a psychiatry and neurology specialty center. It is an extension of Adarsh Rehabilitation, Odisha's largest psychosocial rehabilitation company, which operates a 200-bed facility on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar.