Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, or OCD, is an anxiety disorder that is characterised by obsessions (intrusive and recurrent thoughts, images or urges) and compulsions (repetitive actions such as counting, touching, washing, rearranging and hoarding).
Even though the recurrent thoughts are recognised as being silly or impossible, it is difficult for patients to resist having them. This results in increasing tension, which can only be relieved by carrying out compensatory compulsive acts listed above. Thus begins a never-ending spiral of negative thoughts, stress and irrational actions.
Even though OCD is a neurotic condition, it can be recurring, chronic and debilitating. It can occur on its own, or in combination with panic disorder, depression, drug & alcohol abuse (often as a symptom relieving habit), Tourette syndrome or autistic spectrum disorders.
For carers of people with OCD, it can be a horrendous condition to come to terms with; they may, for instance, struggle to understand the patient's need to wash hands repeatedly.
Timely and ongoing intervention is necessary, and this may entail medication therapy as well as psychotherapy in the form of modifying the patient's thinking/behaviour and response to stress. Cognitive-behaviour therapy and exposure & response therapy, respectively, help in achieving these. Relaxation therapy to reduce the somatic symptoms of anxiety may also be added on.
Patient's partner/spouse may undergo training from the therapist for home management of the symptoms. For example, he/she can help the patient look for alternatives to or even prevent repeated hand washing.
Learn more about this condition and its treatment in this video in three languages:
English: https://youtu.be/YSrct6U237s
Hindi: https://youtu.be/arkbbsvrGL8
Kannada: https://youtu.be/8o-P5zO8gh4
Read more on stress and panic attacks in earlier articles.
Find out more about the medications used in the treatment of OCD.
The link to a short film on OCD and other anxiety disorders can be found here.
For a more formal discussion, please see lectures on anxiety disorders and other topics.
Resources:
Background music: Fresh Fallen Snow by Chris Haugen
