Journal of Depression and Anxiety
Open Access

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Its Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Than Soe^{* *}Correspondence: Than Soe, Department of Medicine, University of Khon Kaen, Khon Kaen, Thailand, Email:

Author info »

Introduction

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a complex and often debilitating mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by a combination of intrusive, distressing thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or rituals (compulsions) performed in an attempt to alleviate the anxiety caused by these thoughts. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of OCD, exploring its causes, symptoms, treatment options, and the impact it has on individuals and their daily lives.

Description

The basics of obsessive compulsive disorder

Defining obsessions and compulsions: Obsessions are persistent and unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that cause significant distress. These thoughts often revolve around themes such as contamination, harm, symmetry, or taboo subjects.

Compulsions, on the other hand, are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that an individual feels compelled to perform in response to the obsessions. These rituals are intended to reduce the anxiety or discomfort associated with the obsessive thoughts but provide only temporary relief.

The prevalence of OCD: OCD is more common than one might think. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), OCD ranks among the top 20 causes of illness-related disability worldwide. It can affect people of all ages, from children to adults.

The causes of OCD

The exact cause of OCD is not yet fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic, neurological, and environmental factors:

• Genetics: Research suggests that there is a genetic predisposition to OCD. If a close family member has OCD, the likelihood of developing the disorder is higher.
• Brain structure and function: Neuroimaging studies have revealed differences in the brain structure and function of individuals with OCD. The brain regions involved in decisionmaking, impulse control, and emotional regulation appear to be affected.
• Environmental factors: Stressful life events, trauma, or infections may trigger the onset of OCD in some individuals. These factors can exacerbate the condition or make it more challenging to manage [1].

Common symptoms of OCD

The symptoms of OCD can vary widely from person to person, but common obsessions and compulsions include:

• Contamination obsessions and cleaning compulsions: Fear of germs, dirt, or illness can lead to excessive hand-washing, cleaning, or avoidance of perceived contaminated objects.
• Checking obsessions and compulsions: Individuals may constantly check locks, appliances, or switches to ensure they are turned off or locked.
• Symmetry and order obsessions and compulsions: An obsession with symmetry and orderliness may lead to repetitive arranging, counting, or organizing of objects.
• Intrusive thoughts and mental rituals: Some individuals experience disturbing intrusive thoughts, often of a violent or sexual nature. They may perform mental rituals, such as repeating words or prayers, to counter these thoughts.
• Hoarding: Hoarding disorder is related to OCD and involves the excessive acquisition of objects and the inability to discard them, resulting in cluttered living spaces [2].

The impact on daily life

OCD can have a profound impact on an individual's daily life, affecting their relationships, work, and overall well-being.

• Interference with daily functioning: The time-consuming nature of compulsions can interfere with work, school, and personal relationships.
• Emotional toll: The constant anxiety and distress caused by obsessions can lead to depression, anxiety disorders, and a diminished quality of life.
• Social isolation: Many individuals with OCD feel embarrassed or ashamed of their symptoms, leading to social withdrawal and isolation [3].

Treatment options

Fortunately, OCD is a treatable condition, and several approaches can help individuals manage their symptoms:

•Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), a type of CBT, is considered the gold standard for treating OCD. It involves exposing individuals to their obsessions and preventing the associated compulsive behaviors, gradually reducing their anxiety.
• Medication: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine and sertraline, can be effective in reducing the symptoms of OCD. These medications help regulate serotonin levels in the brain.
• Combination therapy: In some cases, a combination of CBT and medication is the most effective treatment approach [4].

Conclusion

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a challenging mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide.

Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for OCD is crucial for individuals and their loved ones. With proper care and support, individuals with OCD can learn to manage their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life. If you or someone you know is struggling with OCD, seeking professional help is the first step towards recovery and a brighter future.

References

1. Kessler RC, Aguilar-Gaxiola S, Alonso J, Chatterji S, Lee S, Ormel J, et al. The global burden of mental disorders: An update from the WHO World Mental Health (WMH) surveys. Epidemiol Psychiatr Soc. 2009;18(1):23-33.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed]

2. Aderka IM, Hofmann SG, Nickerson A, Hermesh H, Gilboa-Schechtman E, Marom S. Functional impairment in social anxiety disorder.  J Anxiety Disord. 2012;26(3):393-400.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed]

3. Barrera TL, Norton PJ. Quality of life impairment in generalized anxiety disorder, social phobia, and panic disorder. J Anxiety Disord. 2009;23(8):1086-1090.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed]

4. Whiteford HA, Ferrari AJ, Degenhardt L, Feigin V, Vos T. The global burden of mental, neurological and substance use disorders: An analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2010. PloS One. 2015;10(2):0116820.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed]