Learn about OCD - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) is also known as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. This is a chronic mental disorder, the common signs of the disease are being dominated by obsessive thoughts, unreasonable worries, and having to perform compulsive behaviors to relieve stress. .

However, OCD is often misunderstood by society, even by psychologists, people often think that if you have a habit of always keeping your hands clean, planning your outings in detail, or meticulously arranging your belongings, You may have OCD.

Myth 1: OCD is repetitive behavior

As the name suggests, OCD has 2 aspects including:

1. The invasion of thoughts and images is called an obsession.
2. The compulsion to do something to relieve the restlessness caused by the obsession.

The behaviors people associate with OCD like the habit of frequently washing your hands or checking things over and over again, but maybe you're just a little more picky or clean than usual. OCD is actually much rarer and more likely to cause depression. Patients are unable or very difficult to control their obsessive thoughts and compulsions, which are often time-consuming and interfere with work and life to the point of serious mental decline.

Myth 2: The main symptom of OCD is washing your hands too often

Although when people think of OCD, people often think of washing their hands, but in fact, the manifestations of OCD can take many forms. Obsessions can include fear of dirt, feelings of insecurity, fear of harming others or being overly preoccupied with numbers, patterns, morals, etc. Compulsions manifest themselves through cleaning or checking. many times, arrange detailed furniture or walk according to a predetermined rule,.​

Myth 3: People with OCD don't know what they're doing is unreasonable

In fact, many OCD patients are very aware but can't get rid of thoughts and actions that they themselves feel are meaningless. It's also one of the reasons why OCD makes them so tired. People with OCD say they go crazy because of irrational thoughts that stress them out and then can't control their reactions.

What is the cause of OCD?

Sadly, we don't really understand what causes OCD. However we are digging deeper and have some understanding of them. According to studies, OCD involves 3 regions of the brain that govern behaviour, perception, action and emotions. In addition, OCD is also associated with a decrease in Serotonin (a neurotransmitter that controls mood, temper, appetite, sleep, pain sensation,.).

The good news is that there are effective treatments for OCD, such as medications that increase serotonin levels in the brain or psychotherapy and behavioral therapy, that help patients get used to their obsessions and ignore them.

It's frustrating to know that your brain is tricking you but can't do it. But as you gain knowledge and understanding of your illnesses, you can learn ways to become familiar with them and alleviate them!

Symptoms and prevention

People with obsessive-compulsive disorder often have thoughts of having to perform certain behaviors over and over again. Most people with OCD have insecure thoughts about certain phenomena. Thoughts persist, bother, even dominate, interrupt other thoughts. At this point, the patient falls into a state of fear and insecurity.

Obsessive symptoms of people with OCD include: Fear of pollution or dust; obsession with order and symmetry; ferocious; always think about erotic images. In addition, the victim will be afraid of getting their hands dirty or emotional when touching anyone else, pulling their hair, biting their lips until they bleed, suspecting that they haven't locked the door or turned off the stove.

Some people are obsessed with the thought of accidentally hurting someone, always counting numbers in their heads, annoyed when things are not in order, in alignment. People are afraid that family members will be harmed, In case of an accident, they will repeat the act of questioning, suspecting a threat in order to minimize casualties. Many cases generate feelings of hatred for appearance, leading to suffering and impotence because they cannot change.

Most people with OCD find such thoughts and actions irrational. However, they can't stop thinking and feel they have to do it 'just in case'.

People with obsessive-compulsive disorder are often afraid to talk about their condition. However, this is a medical condition like any other disease or syndrome and needs to be treated.

Currently, people with OCD are usually treated in two ways: psychotherapy and medication. Cognitive behavioral modification (CBT) psychotherapy helps you deal with your fears and obsessive thoughts without having to perform the behavior.

The drugs used are usually antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It helps to change and rebalance the chemicals in your brain. However, this method should be consulted and directed by a doctor because it can cause side effects in children and adolescents.