Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

(OCD)

A person with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is completely normal - other than being dominated by unwanted thoughts that enters the mind repeatedly.These persistent thoughts (obsessions) cause the affected person to perform repetitive,pointless action

In OCD,obsessive thoughts are frequently accompanied by a form of a compulsive,but pointless ritual,in which a behaviour or action,such as checking that your keys are still in your pocket,is repeated again and again

The person affected does not want to perform these actions - but feels driven to do so

Thoughts may be concerns about hygiene,personal safety,security or possessions

Alternatively,there may be violent and obscene thoughts that are completely out of character

Examples of common compulsions include - hand washing,checking that windows and door are locked and arranging objects on desk precise patterns

Carrying out ritual reinforces a sense of control and brings short-lived relief but, in severe cases,the ritual is done hundreds of times a day and interferes with work and social life

About 3 in 100 people experience OCD at some time in their lives

It sometimes runs in families and stressful life events may trigger the condition

Many famous people have suffered OCD - the American tycoon Howard Hughes & well-known artist Michael Jackson were / is obsessed about hygiene

Personality traits of orderliness and cleanliness are said to be relate

.It is important for family and friends to understand that while they regard the behaviour as senseless,the person suffering from OCD - are unable to ignore or resist them

That is because,once the disorder has developed,a chemical imbalance occurs in the brain that is been identified as changes in seratonin levels,which is why selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI) drugs are helpful

Symptoms

Intrusive,irrational mental images.Repeated attempts to resist thoughts,Repetitive behaviour The person may be aware that the behaviour is irrational and be distressed by it - but cannot control the compulsions

Treatment

Deeply established,severe OCD needs professional help

Psychotherapy and counselling - are 'talking treatments' that provide the opportunity to discuss difficulties with someone who will listen and accept what you say without ridicule and who will offer support in your attempts to overcome your compulsion

Talking treatments boost self-esteem and increase condicence because it is therapeutic to express feelings and feel understood

Cognitive therapy - is a behaviour therapy that help us to change our mood by changing the way we think.It teaches us to challenge self-defeating beliefs and develop positive ones

Behaviour Therapy - is a treatment that has been used successfully to treat phobias and compulsive disorder for many years.The focus is placed on practical forms of treatment that aim to modify behaviour and overcome fears

The major tool is exposure treatment which means confronting whatever frightens you until you get used to it

Drugs for OCD - have proven helpful.There are several types available,all within the category of anitdepressants, though the newer ones such as SSRL's have many other actions.Drugs for OCD,have a specific anti-phobic action on the brain,and some of the most successful are SSRI's - which include Prozac and Seroxat.They work by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain

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info source:

Dr Mirriam Stoppard