Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is considered a chronic (long-term) mental health condition.
This psychiatric disorder is characterized by obsessive, distressful thoughts and compulsive ritualistic behaviors.
These repetitive behaviors are often performed in an effort to reduce distress and anxiety.
Brianna Gilmartin / Verywell
This article will look at the causes and symptoms of OCD and some of the available treatment options.
Symptoms are often associated with feelings of shame and concealment (secretiveness).
These obsessions are considered intrusive and unwanted.
These repetitive behaviors help reduce distress that comes from obsessive thoughts.
Compulsive behaviors may include repeatedly checking things, handwashing, praying, counting, and seeking reassurance from others.
In children, the signs and symptoms of OCD are usually detected by a teacher or a parents.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, dial988to contact the988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelineand connect with a trained counselor.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call911.
When left untreated, OCD can impact all aspects of a persons life.
Also, keep in mind that early diagnosis and intervention equates to better treatment outcomes.
This may help to provide insight into treatment options for OCD in the future.
Treatment
Early identification and prompt treatment of OCD is important.
The symptoms of OCD often go unrecognized, partially because of the wide range of diverse symptoms.
Also, many manifestations, such as obsessive thoughts, are kept secret by people who have OCD.
Often, people with OCD experience significant improvement in symptoms with proper and timely treatment.
Some people even achieve remission.
Cognitive Therapy
There are a variety of cognitive therapy modalities used to treat OCD.
This punch in of therapy encourages people with OCD to face their fears without engaging in compulsive behaviors.
Exposure and response therapy begins with helping people confront situations that cause anxiety.
In contrast to cognitive-behavioral therapies such as ERP.
more open-ended and exploratory psychotherapies are generally not effective in the treatment of OCD.
SSRIs include Prozac (fluoxetine), Zoloft (sertraline), and Luvox (fluvoxamine).
Tricyclic antidepressants such as Anafranil (clomipramine) may be used.
You may need to educate friends and family members about OCD.
Keep in mind that OCD is not something to be ashamed of.
It is a medical problem that is not anyone’s fault.
Fenske J, Petersen K.Obsessive-compulsive disorder diagnosis and management.
Beyond OCD.org.Clinical definition of OCD.
International OCD Foundation.How is OCD diagnosed?
National Institute of Mental Health.Obsessive-compulsive disorder.
2014;152154:169174. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2013.09.004
OCD UK.What is exposure response prevention (ERP)?
Lambert M.APA releases guidelines on treating obsessive-compulsive disorder.Am Fam Physician; 78 (1):131-135.
