Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental disorder characterized by obsessive thoughts that generate intense anxiety . When victimized by this anguish, the individual may resort to compulsive or repetitive behaviors in an attempt to alleviate the discomfort.
Furthermore, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), between 1% and 2% of the global population lives with this disorder. In the case of Brazil, it is estimated that approximately 4 million people live with OCD.
What are the symptoms of OCD?
OCD can manifest itself through obsessions, compulsions, or both. Furthermore, symptoms vary from person to person and throughout life, affecting routine and interpersonal relationships. Among the most common symptoms, the following stand out:
Obsessions: unwanted and repetitive thoughts, images or impulses that cause distress and anxiety. For example:
- Excessive fear of contamination by germs, viruses or bacteria;
- Persistent thoughts about safety;
- Intense concern over organization;
- Intrusive thoughts about sensitive topics (religion, sex, violence);
- Irrational fear of harming oneself or others.
Compulsions: Repetitive behaviors or rituals performed to reduce anxiety or prevent something bad from happening. For example:
- Washing your hands repeatedly, even when not necessary;
- Checking several times that doors and windows are closed;
- Constantly checking that the gas is turned off;
- Counting mentally or following rigid number patterns;
- Repeating phrases or prayers to ward off bad thoughts;
- Aligning and organizing objects in an extremely meticulous manner;
- In some situations, compulsions involve avoiding certain places, objects, or people.
There is a common – but mistaken – belief that OCD is limited to compulsive behaviors. However, in some individuals, it manifests itself only through obsessive thoughts.
On the other hand, another misconception is that OCD is simply a mania for organization or cleaning. In reality, this disorder goes far beyond that and significantly affects the person’s quality of life.
What are the risk factors for OCD?
The first symptoms of OCD may appear in childhood, adolescence or early adulthood. Furthermore, several factors can influence their development:
Biological factors
- Genetic predisposition;
- Neurochemical changes in the brain, such as serotonin imbalances;
- Streptococcal infections, such as rheumatic fever.
Psychological factors
- Difficulty dealing with anxiety and insecurities;
- Learning ineffective strategies for dealing with fears;
- Personality characteristics such as perfectionism and a high sense of responsibility.
Other risk factors
- Family history of OCD;
- Traumatic experiences (physical, emotional or sexual abuse);
- Stressful events (losses, major changes, excessive pressure);
- Presence of other mental disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
How is the diagnosis of OCD made?
The first step in dealing with OCD is to understand that it is not a choice or a whim, but rather a medical condition that requires understanding, acceptance and appropriate treatment.
OCD diagnosis must be performed by a psychiatrist and monitored by a psychologist. In this way, the professional assesses whether:
- Symptoms are recurrent and take up significant time during the day;
- They cause suffering and negatively impact the person’s routine;
- They cannot be explained by other mental disorders.
OCD can be confused with other disorders, such as anxiety, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Tourette Syndrome.
Is there a treatment for OCD?
Although it is a chronic disorder, there are effective treatments that help significantly reduce symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): is one of the most effective approaches to treating OCD. In fact, one of the most widely used techniques is exposure and response prevention (ERP), which teaches the patient to gradually face their fears without resorting to compulsive rituals.
- Drug treatment: in some cases, the use of serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants (SSRIs) is recommended, which help control obsessions and compulsions.
Each case is unique and must be treated by mental health professionals in a personalized manner, taking the patient’s needs into account.
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