OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER (OCD) is a common anxiety disorder. It causes unreasonable thoughts, fears, or worries. A person with OCD tries to manage these thoughts through rituals. 

Frequent disturbing thoughts or images are called obsessions. They are irrational and can cause great anxiety. Reasoning doesn’t help control the thoughts. Rituals or compulsions are actions that help stop or ease the obsessive thoughts.

The sooner OCD is diagnosed and treated, the better the outlook.

HOMOEOPATHIC TREATMENT FOR OBSESSIVE – COMPULSIVE DISORDER

Homoeopathy is very proficient in managing the symptoms of OCD because homoeopathic treatment for OCD takes into consideration the entire life situation, physical and emotional make-up of the person. Moreover, relapse and recurrence of the condition can also be prevented with Homoeopathy.

Homoeopathic medicines, with zero side effects, can be of great help in the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Made from natural substances, Homoeopathic remedies strike at the root of the problem and work towards complete treatment.

KNOW YOUR DISEASE

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a condition in which you have frequent unwanted thoughts and sensations (obsessions) that cause you to perform repetitive behaviours (compulsions). The repetitive behaviours can significantly interfere with social interactions and performing daily tasks.

Everyone experiences obsessions and compulsions at some point. For example, it’s common to occasionally double-check the stove or the locks. People also often use the phrases “obsessing” and “obsessed” very casually in everyday conversations. But OCD is more extreme. It can take up hours of a person’s day. It gets in the way of normal life and activities. Obsessions in OCD are unwanted, and people with OCD don’t enjoy performing compulsive behaviours.

SYMPTOMS OF OCD

The main symptoms of OCD are obsessions and compulsions that interfere with normal activities. For example, symptoms may often prevent you from getting to work on time. Or you may have trouble getting ready for bed in a reasonable amount of time. You may know that these symptoms are problematic, but you can’t stop them.

OBSESSIONS IN OCD

In OCD, obsessions are unwanted, intrusive thoughts or mental images that cause intense anxiety. People with OCD can’t control these thoughts. Most people with OCD realize that these thoughts are illogical or irrational. Common examples include.

• Fear of coming into contact with perceived contaminated substances, such as germs or dirt.
• Fear of causing harm to yourself or someone else because you’re not careful enough or you’re going to act on a violent impulse.
• Unwanted thoughts or mental images related to sex.
• Fear of making a mistake.
• Excessive concern with morality (“right or wrong”).
• Feelings of doubt or disgust.
• Excessive concern with your sexual orientation or gender identity.
• Need for order, neatness, symmetry or perfection.
• Need for constant reassurance.

COMPULSIONS IN OCD

In OCD, compulsions are repetitive actions that you feel like you have to do to ease or get rid of the obsessions.

People with OCD don’t want to perform these compulsive behaviours and don’t get pleasure from them. But they feel like they have to perform them or their anxiety will get worse. Compulsions only help temporarily, though. The obsessions soon come back, triggering a return to the compulsions.

Compulsions are time-consuming and get in the way of important activities that you value. They don’t have to match the content of your obsessions. Examples include.

• Arranging things in a very specific way, such as items on your dresser.
• Bathing, cleaning or washing your hands over and over.
• Collecting or hoarding items that have no personal or financial value.
• Repeatedly checking things, such as locks, switches and doors.
• Constantly checking that you haven’t caused someone harm.
• Constantly seeking reassurance.
• Rituals related to numbers, such as counting, doing a task a specific amount of times, or excessively preferring or avoiding certain numbers.
• Saying certain words or prayers while doing unrelated tasks.

Compulsions can also include avoiding situations that trigger obsessions. One example is refusing to shake hands or touch objects that other people touch a lot, like doorknobs.

CAUSES OF OCD

Experts aren’t sure of the exact cause of OCD. Genetics, brain abnormalities, and the environment are thought to play a role. It often starts in the teens or early adulthood. But, it can also start in childhood. OCD affects men and women equally. It appears to run in families. Other anxiety problems, depression, eating disorders, or substance use disorder may happen with OCD.

RISK FACTORS

Factors that may increase the risk of developing or triggering obsessive-compulsive disorder include.

• Family history .Having parents or other family members with the disorder can increase your risk of developing OCD.
• Stressful life events. If you've experienced traumatic or stressful events, your risk may increase. This reaction may, for some reason, trigger the intrusive thoughts, rituals and emotional distress characteristic of OCD.
• Other mental health disorders. OCD may be related to other mental health disorders, such as anxiety disorders, depression, substance abuse or tic disorders.

COMPLICATIONS

Problems resulting from obsessive-compulsive disorder may include, among others.

• Excessive time spent engaging in ritualistic behaviours.
• Health issues, such as contact dermatitis from frequent hand-washing.
• Difficulty attending work, school or social activities.
• Troubled relationships.
• Overall poor quality of life.
• Suicidal thoughts and behaviour

DIAGNOSIS. Steps to help diagnose obsessive-compulsive disorder may include.

• Psychological evaluation .This includes discussing your thoughts, feelings, symptoms and behaviour patterns to determine if you have obsessions or compulsive behaviours that interfere with your quality of life. With your permission, this may include talking to your family or friends.
• Diagnostic criteria for OCD. Your doctor may use criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association.
• Physical exam. This may be done to help rule out other problems that could be causing your symptoms and to check for any related complications.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

AN OUTLOOK ON OCD – BY DR. SMRITI’S HOMOEOPATHIC HEALING

It’s important to remember that obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition. As with all mental health conditions, seeking help as soon as symptoms appear can help decrease the disruptions to your life. Homoeopathy is very effective in treating OCD and is safe, effective and natural. Homoeopathy is based on the principle of individualisation and symptom similarity by using holistic approach. For individualized remedy selection and treatment, the patient should consult a qualified homoeopathic doctor in person.