OCD: What is It and Whom Does It Affect?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder affects many people. What is OCD? How can OCD be treated? What is being done today to help those suffering from OCD?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is an anxiety disorder which affects one’s day to day life. Those who suffer from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder may have obsessions with cleanliness, security, or anything else. These obsessions will then lead to illogical compulsions which do not make sense within the context of the obsession.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder can vary very differently from person to person, but in general, in all areas of the earth most sufferers of the disorder share common symptoms. When one thinks about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, the first thought that likely comes to mind is excessive cleaning. One who suffers from this is obsessed by cleanliness and is then compelled to clean repeatedly throughout the day. Another type of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is one in which the sufferer is constantly obsessed with whether every door has been secured before going to bed. This person may be compelled to check each door multiple times before being assured that they are secure.
Image via Nature.com
Signs that someone is suffering from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder include repeatedly bathing or washing hands, refusing to shake hands, repeatedly checking things, constant counting, constant arranging in a specific way, eating in a specific order, repeating specific words, and needing to perform a specific task a specific number of times. With most types of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, it is fairly obvious that a person is suffering from the disorder because the symptoms are so unique and visible.
The exact cause of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is unknown at this time, however there are many theories surrounding the cause of it. One theory is that biological factors contribute to the disorder. Some research has been able to find a link between low levels of serotonin and the development of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. A serotonin imbalance may be passed on from parents to their offspring. Other studies have found a link between an infection caused by Streptococcus and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. This infection, if left untreated, may be a possible cause of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Other causes of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder may be from environmental factors. Some environmental factors that may contribute to Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder are abuse, illness, death of a loved one, relationship problems, or changes in living situation. While an exact cause of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder has not been found, it is likely to be caused by a combination of biological and environmental factors.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder cannot go away without treatment, so treatment is the only option to deal with it. One treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is cognitive behavior therapy. This therapy aims to teach people with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder to confront their fears to reduce anxiety without using any form of ritualistic behavior. Another form of treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is medication therapy. This type of therapy is done by taking medications such as Anafranil, Paxil, and Prozac to lower levels of anxiety. In extreme cases of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, electroconvulsive therapy may be used. In this therapy electrodes are attached to the patient’s head and a series of electric shocks are sent to the patient’s brain to induce seizures. These seizures then cause neurotransmitters in the brain to be released. Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is best done through cognitive behavior therapy and medication therapy; however, if these do not work electroconvulsive therapy may be the only other option.
Image via Wikipedia
Today, many studies are being done to find out what cause Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and how it can be treated. The Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Pediatric Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder study aims to examine how cognitive behavioral therapy changes Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder patient’s brain structure and chemistry. The Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Children study aims to determine whether cognitive behavioral therapy is a promising way to treat Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Children. There are many more studies going on now in the field of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder treatment and the future of treatment for this disorder looks promising!
Sources:
Liked it
