Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
People with OCD may have symptoms of obsessions, compulsions, or self
Having things symmetrical or in a perfect order
OCD obsessions: People with OCD have repetitive and distressing fears or urges they can’t control. These obsessive thoughts cause intense anxiety.
Death of a loved one or other emotional trauma.
History of abuse.
OCD compulsions: To control obsessions and anxiety, people with OCD turn to certain behaviors, rituals or routines. They do so repeatedly. They don’t want to perform these compulsive behaviors and don’t get pleasure from them. But they feel like they have to follow along or their anxiety will get worse.
What causes obsessive-compulsive disorder?
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) can be treated. The treatment recommended will depend on how much it’s affecting your life.
The 2 main treatments are:
psychological therapy – usually a type of therapy that helps you face your fears and obsessive thoughts without “putting them right” with compulsions
medicine – usually a type of antidepressant medicine that can help by altering the balance of chemicals in your brain
A short course of therapy is usually recommended for relatively mild OCD. If you have more severe OCD, you may need a longer course of therapy and/or medicine.
These treatments can be very effective, but it’s important to be aware that it can take several months before you notice the benefit.
You can get treatment on the NHS through a GP.
OCD Causes and Risk Factors
- A parent, sibling, or child with OCD
- Physical differences in certain parts of your brain
- Depression,anxiety
- Experience with trauma
- A history of physical or sexual abuse as a child