By Miranda Miller
Obsessive compulsive disorder, or OCD, is one of the most common mental illnesses in the world, affecting 1 in 40 people. The condition is characterized by extreme obsessions and compulsions that are uncontrollable and often interfere with daily life. Like many mental illnesses, OCD can be unique to each person, with obsessions ranging from cleanliness to fear of diseases. Despite its variety, OCD has distinct causes, symptoms, and treatments that can help newly diagnosed people better understand their condition.
Causes
OCD has a variety of sources, and it’s hard to be 100% sure about what causes it in individual people. However, it’s believed to be caused by genetics, chemical imbalances in the brain, and environment.The condition typically starts in adolescence and early adulthood.
Symptoms
The most broad symptom of OCD is having some kind of obsession. These obsessions lead to compulsions, which are acts people with OCD indulge in to reduce their obsessive thoughts. These compulsive acts are often ritualized and disruptive to daily life. People with OCD may have specific routines they must follow in an attempt to diminish their anxieties, which can take a lot of time and effort. Severe OCD can take away freedom and reduce quality of life; some people with the condition will avoid situations where they might need to face their obsession or will have to stray from their routine.
Treatments
The first step in treating OCD is getting a diagnosis. This can be done through a psychiatric assessment by a professional, where they analyze your obsessions and determine the interference the condition has on your life. From there, there are multiple common treatments. Medications, like Prozac and other anti-anxiety prescriptions are often used, depending on the severity of your condition. Additionally, a type of therapy called cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, can be used in addition to medication or on its own. This therapy aims to identify stressors and realistic ways to eliminate destructive thoughts or actions. The type of treatment you receive depends on factors like age, severity, personal preference, and cost.
OCD is a condition that can make people feel like they've lost control of their thoughts and actions, and can lead to helplessness. However, identifying and eliminating stressors, understanding the condition, and working out a treatment plan with a professional can have significant effects; while this condition may not be curable, the right medications or therapies can remove much of its negative effect on your life.
Sources-
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/obsessivecompulsive-disorder-ocd#:~:text=Experts%20aren't%20sure%20of,the%20teens%20or%20early%20adulthood.