People living with OCD usually have a strong urge to repeat specific acts or behaviors. They act out their compulsion and urges to prevent their fears from happening and to relieve the stress caused by their obsessive thoughts.
In this article, we will look at the types, causes, symptoms, and treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder.
What Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is an anxiety disorder that involves compulsive behaviors and obsessive thoughts. OCD can affect a person’s well-being and quality of life. Most people with the condition find it challenging to carry out routine tasks.
A person with the condition usually has thoughts and images in their head that they cannot control. They also experience fear and discomfort when things aren’t done a certain way.
Types of OCD
There are four main types of obsessive-compulsive personality disorders:
- Hoarding
- Fear of contamination
- A strong need to check things
- Obsessions
Causes of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
While health experts haven’t been able to narrow down the exact cause of OCD, research and statistics point to the main factors that could potentially be causes of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Autoimmune-related causes — this is when one manifests the symptoms of OCD after suffering infections like the H1N1 virus, streptococcal infection, and Lyme disease.
Cognitive causes — some researchers believe that OCD can start when a person starts to misinterpret their thoughts.
Environmental causes — OCD may be triggered by stressful life events. Reports have shown that some people started to show symptoms of OCD after the following events:
- Serious illness
- Childbirth
- Complication during pregnancy
Risk Factors
Below are some factors that can increase the odds of developing OCD:
- Abuse in childhood
- Stress
- Childhood acute neuropsychiatric symptoms
- Traumatic brain injury
- Trauma
- Characteristics of personality
How Are OCD Disorders Diagnosed
To determine if a patient has OCD, a mental health professional will ask questions about the compulsions and obsessions a patient experiences. These are some of these questions they may ask:
- What steps do you take to try to suppress your compulsions?
- How have your compulsions and obsessions affected your daily life and relationships?
- How much of your time is taken up with intrusive thoughts?
- What kind of anxiety do your obsessive thoughts cause?
- How much control do you have over your obsessive thoughts?
- How much time do you spend performing compulsive behavior?
- How much anxiety would you have if you were prevented from engaging in compulsive behavior?
- How much control do you have over your compulsions?
Symptoms and Signs of OCD
Health experts categorize the signs and symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder into 3 groups:
Physical Symptoms
- Skin reactions from compulsive hand washing
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Headaches
Psychological Symptoms
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Constant anxiety
- Loss of self-control
Behavioral Symptoms
- Washing of hands and cleaning regularly
- Low self-esteem
- Difficulty maintaining friendships
- Monitoring body symptoms
- Repeating routine activities
- Poor performance in school or at work
Treatment Options for OCD
After evaluating the symptoms experienced by an OCD patient, doctors will prepare a treatment plan for obsessive-compulsive disorder. These are two of the treatment options available:
Medical treatment
There are some prescription medications that can help treat OCD, but it is necessary to combine medications with psychotherapy.
Psychotherapy
This is a special type of therapy that helps patients change how they feel, behave, and think. Cognitive therapy and exposure and response prevention may be added to the treatment program.
Inpatient Treatment vs. Outpatient Treatment
The severity of a patient’s OCD usually determines if doctors will recommend outpatient or inpatient treatment. Outpatient treatment for obsessive compulsive disorder is best suited for patients who experience mild OCD symptoms. Inpatient treatment is for patients whose OCD symptoms are severe.
Process and Stages of OCD Treatment in Dr.Vorobjev Clinic
At Dr.Vorobjev clinic, we treat OCD in stages. This is an overview of what happens during each stage of the treatment:
1. Diagnosis
A test for obsessive-compulsive disorder will be performed to determine the severity of the condition. Urine or blood samples may be taken to diagnose co-occurring addictions in alcohol or drug users.
2. Medical treatment
Doctors may prescribe some medications that can help treat the condition. Some OCD disorder treatment medications are effective and can help reduce the severity of the symptoms experienced by patients.
3. Therapy
Psychotherapy is done to alter the behavior of patients and to help them manage their OCD better. This is the most effective treatment for this condition.
4. Aftercare
Follow-up support after discharge allows the patient to maintain the results of treatment for obsessive compulsive disorder and to get immediate help if alarming symptoms arise.
Is It Possible to Get Rid of OCD on Your Own?
The process of getting your OCD under control on your own will be difficult, as you may lack the skill and the know-how to overcome the condition.
The Average Duration of Treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
The severity of a patient’s OCD determines the length of the treatment. On average, the treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder may last from 2 weeks to several months.
Effectiveness of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Treatment
Our treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder is very effective and can help patients get their life back.
Cost of OCD Treatment
The cost of the treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder is determined by the severity of the condition. The cost of treatment in our clinic starts from 5,500 €. Get more information by contacting us.
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