Knowing Obsessive-compulsive Disorder

OCD or Obsessive-compulsive disorder is medically known as “a psychological condition where the mind has persistent and recurrent images or thoughts that are intrusive in nature and cause distress.” Studies say that Obsessive-compulsive affects up to 1% of adults and OCD treatment drugs are known to play a vital role in controlling this disorder. The drugs should be used together with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – Panic Away, to give best result!

The complicated aspect of this disorder is that simple worries develop into excessive real-life problems, by developing unrealistic features. People suffering from OCD tend to engage themselves in repetitive behaviors by enforcing rigid self-imposed rules, as a means to combat this unsettling situation.

OCD will cause the person to repetitively doing something, trying to keep the mind off the intrusive images or thoughts. Doctor believes OCD is caused by chemical imbalance in the brain, and the treatment sometimes involves changing the chemical in the brain to stimulate normal people. Natural treatment like soft exercise – Yoga, Taji or Meditation will help to calm the mind of light to moderate OCD patient.

Identifying Symptoms

OCD symptoms may differ from person to person. Some common indicators are:
Some of the common Symptoms of OCD are listed below, but may be different from people to people:
Below is a list of common OCD symptoms, however, it might differ from person to person.

• Unusual need to wash hands and feet, take shower, brush their teeth, and spending long durations on these activities.
• An obsessive need to repeatedly check safety related activities, like locking the door, checking the gas stove etc.
• Need to adhere to rigid self imposed and getting frustrated and impatient if not able to do so.
• Getting unreasonable thoughts or impulses which may prompt them to do something illegal or unsafe.
• Getting abnormally anxious about germs and dirt, resulting in a need to wash self and surroundings time and again.
• Being stubborn about organizing your life in your own particular way.

What causes OCD?

Various theories and explanations have been given for the disorder. Till date doctors have found no single reason to which the cause of OCD can be attributed.

• Some theorists believe that the OCD may be a learned behavior developed through various situations during adulthood or even childhood.
• Psychoanalytical and psychodynamic theorists are of the opinion that the obsessive thoughts and compulsions that are symptomatic of OCD are the defense mechanism of the individual against anxiety or suppressed impulses.
• A strong theory also suggests that OCD is a result of an inherited tendency to develop OCD. This means that OCD may have its roots in brain functioning, neurotransmission or receptor working.
• A strong theory also suggests that OCD is a result of an inherited tendency to develop OCD. This means that OCD may have its roots in brain functioning, neurotransmission or receptor working.

OCD Treatment Drugs

Treatment for OCD may include singular treatment or a combination of behavioral therapies, self help techniques and medication. As far as medication is concerned all OCD treatment drugs are to taken under strict medical advice and supervision.

OCD Treatment may combine medication, self help techniques and behavioral therapies, specifically to treat a particular case. Due to many reasons and causes, the treatment method may vary from single method to any combinations. However, OCD medication is only used under medical supervision.

• Clomipramine, famously known as CMI is considered as a standard first line psychiatric OCD treatment drug. This drug is an older tricylic antidepressant with strong effects on the neurotransmitter serotonin. Despite the availability of many types of specific anti-obsessional medications, Clomipramine remains an effective and well-tolerated OCD treatment drug. They work within the brain by increasing the amount of available serotonin.
  
• The latest focus of medical treatment of OCD has been on drugs known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). Studies reveal that people with OCD have abnormalities or deficiencies in serotonin levels and their conditions improve when this serotonin imbalance is treated with OCD treatment drugs. OCD patients need to take SSRIs consistently for about 12 weeks to feel visible reduction in symptoms. SSRIs have been reported to develop some side effects like sleep problems, or subdued libido. However, these are minor and temporary in nature and most individuals are reported to endure OCD treatment drugs without much difficulty.
  
  Commonly used SSRIs are:
• • Zoloft (Sertraline)
  • Paxil (Paroxetine)
  • Prozac (Fluoxetine)            
    
• Some OCD patients also benefit from OCD treatment drugs known as antipsychotic medication. Common counter top names are Zyprexa (Olanzapine), Seroquel (Quetiapine) or Risperdal (Respiridone)

Overview

Obsessive compulsive disorder is a common disease. It needs to be treated if the disorder starts intervening with your day to day life and starts showing physical symptoms. OCD treatment drugs are of various types and have been found to facilitate recovery. However all drugs are to be taken under medical supervision.

More information about Anxiety Treatment | Back to Types of Anxiety Disorder.