Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Can you imagine living your life worrying too much or fear that bad things may happen to you if you do something? These are some of the things that people go through with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Obsessive compulsive disorder is an anxiety disorder that occurs when there is a problem with the way the brain deals with normal worrying and doubts and unwanted frequent thoughts and actions. There are three different forms: OCD, Pure “O”, and “Responsibility OC”. There are also five different types of obsessive compulsive disorders. The symptoms, risk factors, causes, self-care, and treatment are the same for each form. Obsessive compulsive disorder is worrying of the mind. About 2.5% of the United States population has been diagnosed
with obsessive compulsive disorder (Facts). About 1 million children and teens have obsessive compulsive disorder (KidsHealth). This neurological disorder can be very mild or can become so persistent that it interferes with everyday life (Meyers 478). “The obsessions or compulsions can cause anguish, are time consuming, can disrupt social activities, and can affect ones relationship with others” (Zohar). Majority of the day is consumed with this disorder because they are unable to control the obsessions or compulsions. Some sufferers are imprisoned by infinite rituals. Patients with obsessive compulsive disorder are not crazy, given that this disorder does not usually affect their complete personality (Sebastian 19-20). A typical patient knows that this behavior is extreme and unreasonable but is unable to control the way that they feel. Several patients claim that they have to react to the compulsions or they just do not feel “right” (Anxiety Disorders). There are five common types of obsessive compulsive disorder (Types of OCD). These types are based on the signs that most patients describe. The first type is washers and cleaners. These victims are afraid of contamination. They fear becoming infected with a disease. Washers and cleaners tend to repeatedly wash their hand, clothes, and items in their home. Checkers is another type of obsessive compulsive disorder. These patients continuously check door locks, windows and other switches. They fear that failure to close and lock doors or even turn appliances off could cause harm to themselves or others. Orderers are sufferers that need everything organized. They become very anxious if items are not arranged properly. Another type of obsessive compulsive disorder is hoarders. These people usually collect items in excess. They save items that normal people would regard as garbage. The last type of obsessive compulsive disorder is obsessors. Obsessors usually have thoughts of causing others harm. They deal with these obsessions by counting or saying a specific word. These victims live with obsessions but usually do not have compulsion that they must perform. Different levels of emotional suffering can occur from obsessive compulsive disorder.
The three types that scientist are currently aware of are episodic, continuous, or deteriorative (Sebastian 45). In episodic obsessive compulsive disorder the reoccurrence of these events only last for a specific limited amount of time. The symptoms usually become part of the patients’ life so they can attempt to function normally. Individuals with continuous obsessive compulsive disorder are bothered with severe episodes during stressful periods. These episodes can harm ones social life but usually does not affect their job or home life. The last category for this disorder is deteriorative obsessive compulsive disorder. The symptoms of this type of disorder are so relentless that the victims spend their whole day performing rituals. These people usually do not have jobs or a social
life. Pure “O” involves the experience of unwanted, intrusive, and persistent thoughts (obsessions) with no accompanying behavioral components or rituals (Phillipson). These obsessions are the recurrent, persistent and unwanted thoughts that cause the person much anxiety/distress in the form of thoughts, images, or impulses that can not be controlled (UOCD). Adults may realize there’s something wrong with their thinking and may even realize its obsessive compulsive disorder (Pure-O Manifestation). On the other hand, kids can not tell what is bothering them and the obsessions may be understood as childhood fears. Pure “O” may be undiagnosed for a long time because there are no rituals the person does, it is based on their thoughts if they will be harmed or not. “Responsibility OC” is the presence of guilt-whether accompanied by anxiety or not (Phillipson). This guilt comes from the rituals they think can harm someone or themselves if they fail. These people often debate within themselves whether it is their innate concern for others-their “real” values-or the disorder that is prompting them to act (Phillipson). These are the compulsions taking into affect. The compulsion is “an irresistible impulse to act, regardless of the rationally of the motivation” (“Compulsions”). These people are the ones that worry about the harm of others as to their self and feel that it is their responsibility to warn others if it is harmful. In the diagnoses of obsessive compulsive disorder one must have excessive obsessions or compulsion or sometimes both. Many obsessions that are associated with obsessive compulsive disorder are fear of contamination or dirt, concern that something bad will happen, order and symmetry, aggressive impulses, religious obsessions, and lucky/unlucky numbers. These obsessions are involuntary and irrational, but the impulses can not be controlled. Compulsions are behaviors that tend to be repetitive. These behaviors are meant to reduce the anxiety caused by the obsessions. Obsessive compulsive disorder creates consistent behaviors which include washing and cleaning, counting, checking, repeating actions constantly, and arranging items to appear orderly. Left untreated this disorder can take over a person’s life. The cause of obsessive compulsive disorder is not completely known.
Some researchers think that this disorder is caused by a change in the body’s natural chemistry, which could include pregnancy or the six week period after delivery. Others believe that obsessive compulsive disorder comes from habits learned over time or ones environment, while brain injuries may also contribute to obsessive compulsive disorder (Carey). Genetics or family history may also be a risk factor in the diagnoses. Strep throat is another suggestion from researchers. Some scientists think that an antibody against the bacteria in strep throat incorrectly acts as a brain enzyme and interrupts communication between neurons in the brain. This disruption of communication is believed to cause obsessive compulsive disorder. Lastly, many researchers now believe that obsessive compulsive disorder is caused by a chemical disorder of the brain. An inadequate amount of the neurotransmitter, serotonin, is thought to be responsible (Mayo
Clinic). Obsessive compulsive disorder can cause an increase in suicide, health/physical complications, and alcohol abuse due to it being so demoralizing and distressing on a person’s life (Mayo Clinic). If one feels in any way that they may have signs of these symptoms, please seek help and get a diagnostic test done. “For obsessive compulsive disorder to be diagnosed, one must have obsessions or compulsions that are excessive or unreasonable, and interfere with everyday life. Obsessions must contain recurrent and persistent thoughts, thoughts aren’t simply excessive worries about real problems in life, one attempt to ignore or suppress thoughts, and one recognizes these thoughts, images, and impulses are a product of your own mind. Compulsions must contain repetitive behavior or mental acts that feel driven to perform and are meant to prevent or reduce distress about unrealistic obsessions” (Mayo Clinic).
People with obsessive compulsive disorder may never have a normal life, but there are self-care steps one may take in order to overcome the obsessions and compulsions. One needs to stay with their treatment plan, take medications as directed, join a support group to share experiences, enlist support of loved ones who can offer encouragement, learn about the disorder of the myths and realities, avoid alcohol and illicit drugs, and get involved in social activities rather than isolating yourself (Mayo Clinic). These steps will help one become to live a normal life again.
Antidepressants are found to be an effective treatment for obsessive compulsive disorder. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are the most efficient with fewer side effects because only one neurotransmitter system is being affected. This also makes the medications safer if an overdose may occur (“Prozac”). Some selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors that are common today are fluoxetine or Prozac, paroxetine or Paxil, and sertraline or Zoloft (“Drug”). These drugs hinder the re-absorption of the neurotransmitter serotonin within the brain.
Cognitive behavior therapy exposes patients to the specific behaviors of obsessive compulsive disorder and then teaches methods to avoid carrying out the rituals. An inventory of all of the obsessions, compulsions, or rituals performed is necessary. Exposure and ritual prevention is then used to decrease the anxiety associated with this disorder. Cognitive behavior therapy consumes a lot of time because of the daily determination needed. Twenty five percent of patients refuse this therapy. Many patients are unwilling to spend the time that this treatment requires, while others fear the extreme anxiety levels when exposed to the specific behaviors or are afraid that if they do not carry out the rituals that something bad will happen. Generally, people with obsessive compulsive disorder wish to receive the cognitive behavior therapy, but they can not find skilled behavior therapist (Greist). This therapy is found to be the most efficient, short-term and long-term, in treating obsessive compulsive disorder, but a combination of the cognitive behavioral therapy and medication are more successful.
Obsessive compulsive disorder can be detrimental to a person’s life. Continuous rituals become very problematic and time consuming. These behaviors can become so strong that they disrupt social, professional, and personal lifestyles. There are several ideas of the cause of obsessive compulsive disorder but research shows that this disorder can be controlled through antidepressants and cognitive behavior therapy. Treatment can prevent this disorder from escalating to a severe case.