October 13-19 is OCD Awareness Week. It is crucial to discuss a severe issue affecting millions of people worldwide. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is not just an indication of being “a little bit organized” or “neatness of things.” It is a real mental health issue that makes daily life really tough.
When someone is suffering from OCD, their mind sticks to particular thoughts, and it is really difficult to get them out of there. These thoughts seem to be scary, wrong, or disturbing. In order to stop these feelings, they repeat certain actions over and over again. Now comes the difficult part, which is that the relief only lasts for a while, and then the cycle repeats again.
OCD and its effects on people
According to the World Health Organization’s list of the top 10 most disabling diseases, OCD is the tenth most disabling disease that many people can get. Usually, people with OCD exhibit the following:
- Engage in repetitive acts (e.g., washing their hands until they have sores, checking doors dozens of times, or spending long hours setting items in a certain way) that take up one-third of the time they spend
- Feel always worried and nervous (e.g., afraid that they will hurt their loved ones, or fear of germs or getting sick)
- Feeling that one can’t function unless everything is “just right” or perfectly equal
- Have problems focusing on their job or in school
- Avoid places or situations that provoke one’s worries (e.g., avoid public places due to fear of getting an infection)
- Feel disconnected from their friends and relatives
- Religious or moral concerns that feel overwhelming
- Doubts about relationships or sexuality
Remember, everyone feels occasional anxiety or has odd ways of doing things. The difference is that OCD, because of its intensity and the reality of distress it brings about, is different from other concerns.
Many who have OCD choose not to communicate the symptoms because they feel too embarrassed or think others may not be able to understand. This kind of hiding situation may even make them feel more isolated among the people around them.
Certain considerations for different life stages
Children and teenagers: Many times, the first signs of OCD develop in childhood or the teenage years. The boys are more prone to developing the conditions than girls. Parents, early intervention is the most helpful strategy if you notice these signs in your children. Do not be left waiting until the time both you and the child have to suffer.
Women and hormonal changes: Women may report a deterioration in their condition during different stages, such as before menstruation, during pregnancy, or after birth. Hormonal imbalances can also be corrected with hormone therapy.
Adults: It is never too late to look for suitable treatment. Many adults silently manage undiagnosed OCD for a couple of decades before finally seeking help.
Elders: OCD in older adults may be a primary health condition or may be associated with an organic mental health problem (caused by brain injuries, diseases, and exposure to toxins), especially dementia. Additionally, older women who come to a geriatric psychiatrist for diagnosis are more likely to worry about symptoms and problems, such as sin and virtue, than younger women.
What causes OCD?
Science is still in the process of making discoveries regarding what causes OCD. However, it is demonstrated that it often leads to:
- Chemical imbalances in the brain, especially in the brain chemical called serotonin
- Genetics that sometimes follows a family pattern
- Brain circuits that maintain repetitive patterns
- Sometimes infections or stress can be the triggers
It is important to understand that OCD is not your fault. You did not make it because of your wrong thoughts.
What happens if OCD goes untreated?
Although this may be distressing to acknowledge, it is vital to know the unspoken consequences of untreated OCD:
- Symptoms get exacerbated as time passes
- The brain makes stronger and stronger connections for the obsessive ideas and the blind impulse
- Becomes hard to manage the activities of everyday life
- Risk of developing depression and other psychotic issues
- Impact on friends and family relations
- Increased absenteeism from work or school
- Compulsive behavior induces physical health problems
The longer OCD goes untreated, the harder it can be to treat later. However, remember that it is never too late to get help. People who have had OCD for many years can still see significant improvement with proper treatment.
Treatment for obsessive compulsive disorder
OCD is a treatable condition. Many treatment options are available, which include:
- Medication that helps reduce OCD symptoms significantly
- Therapy, including CBT, exposure therapy, and psychodynamic psychotherapy
- Nutrition supplements, such as N-acetylcysteine
- Hormone therapy (if hormonal imbalances are part of the origin)
- Lifestyle changes and stress management techniques
Some individuals try every treatment until they find a solution. In case you tried all traditional therapy and medications and had no positive outcome, do not give up. Other specialized treatments are also available for the most challenging cases, such as the following:
- Deep brain stimulation
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation
- Intensive outpatient programs
- Innovative medication combinations
Online OCD treatment
Nowadays, online psychiatric care allows people all over the globe to have access to expert help. Board-certified psychiatrists at GABA Telepsychiatry provide comprehensive OCD treatment through telepsychiatry 24/7, including:
- Proper diagnosis and medication management
- Access to specialized therapy approaches
- Treatment for people who haven’t responded to other treatments
- Integrative approaches that address the whole person
This implies that you can access expert treatment at your computer or tablet without having to travel long distances or wait for months for appointments.
How to be more aware of OCD?
OCD can make one feel helpless, yet managing is not only a possibility but a reality with the proper assistance and intervention. You have the power to get through this challenging time. The first step is to do it with the belief that you can be better and that external help is available.
If you are having issues, reach out to a mental health specialist, such as a board-certified OCD psychiatrist. If you think some of your friends might be having repetitive behaviors or thinking too much, talk to them with empathy and understanding, and if possible, suggest to take professional help.
Again, remember: seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength and self-care. You are taking the first step toward regulating yourself from OCD, and that is something to be proud of.
