Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a type of mental disorder where the person has recurring thoughts/images (obsession) and/or repetitive, ritualistic kind of behaviors that the individual is unable to control.
The patients know that their thoughts/behaviors are irrational and unrealistic. They may even try to end their obsession or suppress their thoughts, but most of the time, they are not successful.
How To Classify a Mental Disorder As Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
For the mental disorder to be classified as an obsessive-compulsive disorder, the obsession and compulsion should be severe enough that they consume a significant amount of the patient’s time (1 hour per day is the minimum level), and they are causing marked distress in the patient’s life.
The patient must need to have a dystonic ego, and there should be no drugs or diseases that are causing the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Disorder Cycle
When a patient has this issue, their disease’s pattern is described as having a cycle. Patients experience periods of intense staring followed by anxiety attacks. If they attempt to control the obsession, the anxiety becomes worse.
Prevalence Of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
We don’t know the precise statistics on how common obsessive-compulsive disorder is. Three percent of the world’s population, however, is thought to be impacted. It can start in the preschool age to early adulthood time, and it is more prevalent at a young age.
Pathophysiology Of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder:
Psychoanalytic theory
According to this theory, patients have weak and underdeveloped egos. As the patient reverts to the pre-Oedipal anal sadistic phase, certain ego-defense mechanisms lead to this phase, causing the signs and symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Learning theory
Learning theory explains the signs and symptoms of patients with Obsessive-compulsive disorder as a well-defined response to traumatic events. Traumatic events produce distress and anxiety. The patient may passively avoid the condition that is staying away from the source or active avoidance that is, staying with the source of distress.
Biological theory
Patients have abnormal biological and metabolic processes occurring in the basal ganglia and orbital frontal cortex of individuals with the disease. The pathogenesis of OCD is primarily related to abnormal levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin.
We Can Help You
This mental disorder is not entirely treatable in the majority of patients. However, treatment procedures and medications can significantly reduce the intensity and duration of symptoms. Dr. Nibras at the Novus beginning psychiatry has extensive experience in helping patients. The treatment approach includes:
- Cognitive therapy: It consists of procedures that help to change the approach of the patients in dealing with their fears.
- Behavioral therapy: This therapy improves the response of the patients to trauma-related events and activities.
- Medications: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and clomipramine are the most commonly used treatments.
If you, your family members, or your friends have obsessive-compulsive disorder, feel free to reach out to Novus Beginning Psychiatry for professional support right now.
