Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a specific psychiatric disorder characterized by obsessional thoughts and compulsive behavior. What exactly are obsessional thoughts? These are specific distressing, repetitive thoughts which a person is unable to ignore. On the other hand, compulsions are ritual actions which a person feels compelled to repeat in order to relieve anxiety and temporarily stop obsessional thoughts. Obsessive thoughts and compulsive rituals can take up many hours of each day and, in their most severe form, these rituals can prevent a person from completing even the simplest daily tasks. Possible cause of obsessive-compulsive disorder
The exact cause of obsessive-compulsive disorder is still unknown. Some experts claim that its cause is biological, some claim that the disorder stems from learned behavior and some believe the cause of the disorder may be both biological and environmental.
%26bull; Biochemical theory
There is strong evidence that some people have an inherited tendency to develop OCD and that OCD is linked to problems in brain chemistry, neurotransmission or receptor functioning. There is a theory which says that an insufficient level of serotonin, one of brain's chemical messengers, may contribute to obsessive-compulsive disorder. It is partially proven because some imaging studies which used positron emission tomography scans have shown differences in brain-activity patterns between people who have OCD and those who don%26rsquo;t. Another proof is the fact that people with obsessive-compulsive disorder who take medications that enhance the action of serotonin often show great improvement after a short period of time.
Signs and symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder
OCD symptoms can occur at any stage in your life.
The symptoms of this disorder can be divided into two groups:
%26bull; Obsessions
These are recurrent, persistent, unwanted ideas, thoughts or impulses that a person suffering from OCD experiences involuntarily. Common obsessions include:
o Constantly thinking about certain sounds, images, words or numbers
o Fear of harming a family member or friend
o Fear of dirt or contamination
o Concern with order, symmetry and exactness
o Fear of thinking evil or sinful thoughts
%26bull; Compulsions
These are repetitive behaviors that a person suffering from OCD is driven to perform regularly to combat his or hers obsessions, even though they may seem irrational.
Typical compulsions include:
o Excessive hand washing
o Repeatedly checking that doors are locked and appliances are turned off
o Arranging items in a precise order
o Repeatedly counting to the same number
o Touching certain objects a precise number of times
The thing is that, when someone performs these rituals, he or she may feel some relief from anxiety, but not for long. Soon the discomfort felt before returns, and then a person feels compelled to repeat behaviors. Symptoms of OCD are also seen in other brain disorders such as Tourette's syndrome.
Perfectionism and OCD
Although most people believe that the obsessive-compulsive disorder and perfectionism are the same thing there's a difference between them. If someone is perfectionist and likes to do everything perfectly that doesn't mean he or she has obsessive-compulsive disorder. That just means that a person holds itself to a very high standard of performance in all that he or she does. These are not the behaviors seen in people with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Behaviors associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder interfere with everyday functioning.
Differential Diagnosis
Certain disorders have similar or even the same symptoms as OCD. The clinician, therefore, has to differentiate against the following disorders to establish a precise diagnosis.
%26bull; Narcissistic Personality Disorder
%26bull; Antisocial Personality Disorder
%26bull; Schizoid Personality Disorder
%26bull; Personality Change Due to a General Medical Condition
%26bull; Symptoms that may develop in association with chronic substance use.
Treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder
Unfortunately, there is no cure for OCD. However, there are several types of treatments which can provide some relief to the patient.
Medications
The most effective medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as fluoxetine (Prozac%26reg;), paroxetine (Paxil%26reg;), sertraline (Zoloft%26reg;), and fluvoxamine (Luvox%26reg;); and tricyclic antidepressants such as clomipramine (Anafranil%26reg;). These medications help decrease the frequency and intensity of the obsessions and compulsions. It usually takes three or more weeks for the effects to take place and the patient will have to continue taking the medication indefinitely.
Cognitive behavior therapy
This form of psychological treatment involves retraining patient%26rsquo;s thought patterns and routines so that compulsive behaviors are no longer present and what is more important, no longer necessary. It involves gradually exposing the patient to a feared object or obsession. It is also teaching the patient different ways to deal with these objects, rather than performing anxiety-reducing ritual or compulsion. Most people with obsessive-compulsive disorder show very good improvement of signs and symptoms with cognitive behavior therapy. It may be especially helpful for children and adolescents. However, cognitive behavior therapy isn't suitable for everyone. About one in four people with obsessive-compulsive disorder refuses this treatment because it can be difficult.
Other Treatment
Electroconvulsive therapy is sometimes helpful in individuals with severe primary depression and secondary obsessions.
Natural alternatives
There are natural alternatives to the psychiatric drugs which can help balance serotonin levels and therefore reduce or eliminate the symptoms of OCD.
One of the most famous natural alternatives is MindSoothe, a combination of St John's Wort and Passiflora, two highly effective herbs in therapeutic medicinal dosage. MindSoothe contains two potent remedies in one treatment and offers immediate and long term relief to people suffering from depression, anxiety, insomnia, panic attacks, OCD and even those with eating disorders.
Hypericum Perforatum (St. John's Wort)
This herb has been scientifically shown to relieve the symptoms of depression if used regularly over a period of 3 - 5 weeks. Because of this, St John's Wort is often called natural Prozac and is widely used as the anti-depressant of choice. There have been many clinical studies which showed the effectiveness of St. John's Wort in the treatment of depression.
Passiflora
This is a calming herb that reduces anxiety and soothes nerves. Passiflora is one of nature's best tranquilizers. It works quickly and effectively and is an excellent addition to any treatment for anxiety and depression.
Bottom Line for curing OCD
Medication may be combined with psychotherapy, and for many people this is the best approach to treatment. Recurrences can be treated as effectively as the initial episode. In fact, the skills you learned in dealing with the initial episode can be helpful in coping with a setback.
Tips for the patients
%26bull; Encourage active diversionary activities, such as whistling or humming a tune, to divert attention from the unwanted thoughts and to promote a pleasurable experience.
%26bull; Cultivate more effective coping skills by setting limits on unacceptable behavior
%26bull; Allow the flow of positive energy into you body and mind.
%26bull; Silence your unwanted thoughts.
%26bull; Switch your thinking patterns.
%26bull; Identify insight and improved behavior
%26bull; Identify disturbing topics of conversation that reflect underlying anxiety or terror.
%26bull; Take your medications and follow the correct schedule and dose.
%26bull; Follow your therapy schedule and try to not to skip the sessions.
%26bull; Involve your family and provide them with materials that explain obsessive-compulsive disorder
%26bull; Learn as much as you can about your disorder.
%26bull; OCD is not a mental disease. It is a behavioral disorder. Every single person has a minor form of OCD. Everyone obsesses about something and has their own rituals to tranquilize the obsession.
%26bull; Self-help groups can provide help, support and encouragement.
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