OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER or OCD

OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER

Can't you stop thinking about dirt or germs that you could come into contact with, and ritualistically use hand sanitizer or wash hand too frequently or ever baffled by your friends obsession for symmetry? These are the classic example of Obsessive-Compulsive disorder (OCD).  Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder signalized by perennial and perturbing thoughts (called obsessions) and/or repetitive, ritualized behaviors that the people carve to perform (called compulsions). Obsessions can also take the form of intrusive images or unwanted urges. In most cases people with OCD have both obsessions and compulsions, but seldom have obsessions alone or compulsions alone.

The above mentioned condition doesn’t confirm the person is suffering from Obsessive Compulsive disorder (OCD) but any hint of similar behavior demands a closer look by a professional. There is no reliable diagnostic test for OCD is devised so far, a thorough face to face interview by an experienced mental health professional is imperative. Despite there are few things one can consider to rule out other neurological conditions. In fact it is common to self diagnose before reaching out for outside help. Try to watch carefully for following signs:

Obsession:

• Excessive decontamination, undue concern over germs, disease, infection.
• Irrational fears such as causing an accident scratch him- or herself or another person with a sharp object, etc.
• Intemperate stress on Symmetry.
• Suspicious of others.
• Idée fixe on particular number or series of numbers performing tasks a certain number of times regardless of sense or expediency.
• Preoccupation with spiritual or religious concerns such as the afterlife, death or morality.
• Stockpiling of useless or meaningless objects such as old magazines or food.
• Obsessive thinking about sex; disturbing writing or doodling of a sexual nature.

Compulsions:

• Gratuitous of washing hands; wiping everything before touching; brushing teeth until gums bleed.
• Returning to check that the door is locked more than once.
• Need to have socks at same height on each leg; cuffs of exactly equal width.
• Counting of steps while walking; insistence on performing a task a specific number of times.
• Performing a senseless task repeatedly until it “feels right;” redoing a task that has already been acceptably completed.
• Hiding food under the bed; refusing to throw away empty bottles or discarded clothes, for instance.
• Expedient repetition of protective prayers or chants.

The list is not exhaustive and one may, at some point in time or consistently, engage in one or even a few of the above obsessions or compulsions. But if somebody is indulged in several of these activities for a longer duration then presence of following will endorse a typical case of Obsessive Compulsive disorder (OCD):

• stress
• Insomnia
• depression
• agitation
• manic need to keep busy
• academic difficulties, including slowness to complete easy work
• behavioral difficulties such as angry outbursts when questioned about odd rituals or desires
• social difficulties or a desire to spend excessive time alone
• Family conflict over usually mundane details.

Now it’s time to get help.

There are two types of standard recommended treatments for Obsessive Compulsive disorder (OCD): medications and cognitive behavior therapy which requires the skill of expert therapist and due diligence of the patient. Unfortunately, not everyone responds to treatment for OCD. This accentuates the need for ongoing research into the causes of OCD so that new and better treatments can be developed. There is reason to be optimistic about the future. Interest in OCD has exploded and we seem to learn more about it every day. The first step is to recognize that you or your loved one may have OCD and that help may be just around the corner. For a referral, contact the OC Foundation at (203) 315-2190 or at www.ocfoundation.org.