Can Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Be Treated?
At some point in life, we have all checked the gas knob twice, double-checked the iron plug and the lock of the front gate. While most of us do not give these instances a second thought, for those with OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), these experiences may become both debilitating and distressing. People with OCD experience severe anxiety because of obsessive thoughts. These obsessions can be ideas, images or maybe thoughts that are unwanted and do not go away. Compulsions, on the other hand, are behaviors that are done repeatedly with an aim to relieve anxiety. Obsessions and compulsions often go hand in hand. For example, if one believes to be contaminated all the time and is obsessed with that feeling, they might feel compelled to repeatedly wash their hands.
Experienced equally by women and men, OCD severely affects around 2.5% of people over their lifetime. This condition usually starts showing its signs around young adulthood, but teenagers and young children can also develop OCD. In its initial stage, this condition does not hinder daily activities; however, if it starts affecting everydaylife or affecting more than one hour/day, consulting psychiatrist is advisable.
What Are the Symptoms of OCD?
The symptoms and signs of OCD can be divided into two parts – obsessive and compulsive.
Obsessive Symptoms
• Constant thoughts of hurting someone – physically or mentally
• Fear of contamination from everyday things
• Fear of hurting someone close to the heart
• Aggressive impulses and sexual thoughts
• Repeated unwanted ideas
• Fear of violence
Compulsive Symptoms
• Repeated positioning of objects
• Washing hands at short intervals
• Constantly checking the door knob or the gas stove
• Constant counting and checking things around
• Overzealous cleaning
Treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
OCD cannot be completely treated; however, medications and therapies can help lower down the symptoms to a level that they stop dominating the life of the patient. The treatment to lower the symptoms works well for a few within months; on the other hand, some may need to be treated for the rest of their lives. Two of the most popular treatment options for OCD include Medication and Psychotherapy. When combined, these treatment options are often more effective.
Psychotherapyfor Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Proved to have been effective in most of the OCD cases, psychotherapy is a standardtreatment option. CBT or cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy which is also known as talking therapy. It helps in managing the OCD problem by changing the way one thinks and behaves. CBT is the most common treatment option for depression and anxiety caused by OCD. As stated earlier, CBT cannot completely treat obsessive compulsive disorder, but it can surely lower the symptoms and help people cope better with this condition. If a patient is recommended CBT, the session is usually held once or twice a week.
Medications for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Most of the drugs that are used in the treatment of OCD are called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and belong to the class of antidepressants. These medicines increase the serotonin level in the brain and are found to be effective in treating OCD. A decrease in serotonin level is also linked as a cause of OCD. When standard OCD medicines do not show any signs of improvement in the condition, doctors usually recommend augmentation therapy. This therapy involves a combination of medicines for maximum effect. This therapy is usually effective in people who do not reap any benefits from standard medication.
With the right treatment and good coping mechanisms in place, one can lead a productive and happy life. Consulting thepsychiatrist in Delhi from any of the top hospitals like Max Healthcare is advisable. Remember, it is vital to seek help from a mental health professional when the OCD starts affecting the normal functioning of life, since the symptoms of OCD bear a resemblance to other illnesses and neurobiological basis which can be treated by Medicines
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