Published on 26 September 2021

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Types, Symptoms, Causes

General Psychology obsessive-compulsive-disorder-types-symptoms-causes
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There is a lot of mistaken belief about OCD. A lot of people think it is primarily related to cleanliness. Yes, some of it is related to cleanliness, but not all.

You may be very comfortable in a messy environment yet suffer from OCD. OCD, as the name suggests, is a state of mind where you do something obsessively and compulsively.
No matter how much you try, you won't be able to stop it. That is OCD for you in a nutshell! 

For some people, OCD is entirely unrelated to cleanliness. But obviously, it doesn't mean they are not neat. It is just that they are not obsessed with neatness, cleanliness, and tidiness. 

Let's say, Most of us like to remain neat and clean. But if for some reason, that random person cannot sort out the mess in their room for a few days, I will be just fine.
Does that mean I don't have OCD? That does not mean they do not like to clean the room or don't have OCD. 

The classic element of OCD is that even if you want to stop, you can't. You let go of essential commitments for OCD. It also tends to aggravate stress. OCD is quite common. You should know more in detail.

What Is Ocd?

OCD is based on mental health conditions that involve obsession and compulsion about specific thoughts. In the USA, of every 100 adults, about one person is targeted by OCD. It is a mental condition that makes you think or gives you unwanted repetitive thoughts. 

Repetitive thoughts are those thoughts that make you uneasy or keep you doubting about that particular work you have done. For instance, checking the door repeatedly to lock if it is closed or not, counting the money all over again, or making an imaginary scene while sitting somewhere.

OCD Symptoms

OCD Symptoms can be categorized into two broad categories, which are Obsessions and Compulsions:

  • Obsessions

I was thinking over the same thing again and again—inability to control my thoughts. No matter how much you try, you still ponder the same thing repetitively. This can lead to isolation.

  • Compulsions

Just like obsessive thoughts, compulsive behavior implies continuous repetitive action. You may feel severely distressed if you cannot carry out the act.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, there are some common as well as severe side effects if you take medication. Some of the side effects are Insomnia or difficulty sleeping, restlessness, nausea, diarrhea, and nervousness.
No, it does not go away without proper consultation. Therapy or medication is a must treatment if you are suffering from OCD.
You will find the changes within yourself for some reasons, such as getting obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.

Types Of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

There are different types of OCDs. However, here let us know about the most known forms of OCD.

  • Contamination: This is the most well-known form of OCD. The sufferers of this form of OCD are obsessed with hygiene. They are constantly scrubbing and cleaning.
  • Relationships: They are insecure about their relationships. They obsess over their partners, children, and friends. Almost anyone whom they are in a relationship with.
  • Order: Here, the patient is obsessed with order, perfectionism, being just right, symmetry, etc. They expect things to take place in a specific way else they get anxious.
  • Pure OCD: This is OCD which is characterized by Obsessions but not Compulsions. It is a kind of OCD that is more inside the head and has no visible evidence on the outside.
  • Hoarding: As the name suggests, this is a very self-explanatory disorder. Here the person keeps buying things in bulk and will not remove unwanted items leading to hoarding.
  • Taboo Thoughts: In this case, constant thoughts are considered taboo in society. From sexuality to harming others, the patient has constant negative thoughts.
  • Rechecking: Most people go through this kind of OCD, like rechecking things after doing it. But people with OCD tend to do that often more than ordinary people. Things like checking multiple times on the door, car, motorbike, and many more if it's appropriately locked. Other day-to-day things like switching the light or alarm, or while cooking, not sure if the stove is closed, are also symptoms of OCD.

Causes Of OCD

The leading cause of OCD is not known. However, the following few factors are considered to be most dominant as per certain psychotherapists and psychiatrists:

  • Genetics: Sometimes, it is just the way our brain is designed. Our family history and genetics can lead us to have trouble with OCD.
  • Chemical Changes in the brain: Our brain may undergo some chemical changes, which can lead to OCD.
  • Environmental Factors: Sometimes, our OCD is a form of learned behavior. When we see people around us suffering from OCD, we unconsciously imbibe the same traits.

Treat Yourself

If needed, see a therapist, as therapy would work better. Treatment has been proven to be more effective than medication. If you are not interested or don't have time at all, then you may go for medication treatment. Anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications have been proven effective in the treatment of OCD. Various types of therapies are made just for people suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common yet the most effective treatment. It triggers and plays with your thought, physical senses, feelings, and physical actions. This therapy connects these things and makes negative thoughts go away from the thinking cycle. 

So therapy has more effects because it doesn't have severe side effects, whereas medications have a quite amount of side effects even if it is used as suggested.

Some Of The Complications

Some common and severe types of complications may come with OCD. Some of them are:

  • I believe and spend considerable time and effort in ritualistic behavior.
  • It is taking essential things in life for granted and focusing on something that is not so important.
  • I cannot keep up with a busy schedule and life.
  • Overthinking negatively leads to suicidal thinking or violent thoughts.
  • They are failing to maintain relationships with loved ones.
  • Health issues or over-health consciousness. 

Risks Because Of OCD

Some of the factors may give you a significant lifetime impact. The person needs to know the risk of getting diagnosed with OCD. Some of the risks are mentioned below:

  • Traumatic event: Handling the traumatic situation carefully and as peacefully as possible is essential. If a person goes through this kind of event in their adulthood, then it is possible that they can manage. But for a child, it is not possible to handle any traumatic events peacefully.
  • Ancestor's history: The chances of getting OCD from a family tree are low, but it is not impossible. If you don't know about how you were diagnosed with OCD without any other symptoms, then try asking some older family members about this with your ancestors.
  • Other mental conditions: Social Anxiety or Anxiety, depression, and stress are reasons a person can form OCD problems. Other mental conditions can trigger the OCD problem.
  • Your personality behavior: This problem may come from your personality too. If your character is caring and overthinking, it will likely suffer from OCD.

Recovery From OCD

The overall awareness of mental disorders has risen over the last few years. Consequently, the solutions and remedies have also been improvised for all mental issues.
OCD is the same. Doctors have researched well on this illness. You can consider the following options to toe the fine line of OCD.

  • Acceptance: Begin with accepting the disorder. If we keep denying that there is an issue, then it will never be possible to recover.
  • Psychotherapy: Many times, people around us do not understand why we are behaving the way we are. A professional can benefit.
  • Lifestyle Changes: Keep yourself occupied with things you like. Avoid stress. Stress aggravates OCD, so it would be wise to remain calm.
  • Medications: It may be possible that therapy and lifestyle changes do not help. In this case, you may have to take medicines one step further.
  • Support Group: OCD can make you feel very lonely. Become a part of a support group. Facebook has several such groups. They can help.
  • Sustained Treatment: In the end, be consistent with your treatment. Not being regular with therapy and medication can lead to relapses.

I hope all my insights on OCD have helped you look at OCD more clearly. This is a battle you can win! So keep at it. Cheers!

Bottom Line From Practical Anxiety Solution

Even if you are suffering from OCD, it is not that everything is over and there is nothing. You would get healing through therapies and medications that would help the best. You would not find the changes too quickly, but you would see the progress slowly. 

As there are positive effects that you would be getting through the treatment process, but for it, you should be getting in touch with the doctor for medication or a therapist for consulting. It is a be, if you know about conditions at first instance and get guidance as quickly as possible.

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