There are also repetitive behaviors and rituals that occur to avoid or control obsessions; This is also called compulsions. The person obtains a temporary feeling of relief through these compulsions, but this relief is not permanent and often the obsessions become stronger. OCD affects not only an individual’s mental health but also their daily life.
What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
If we look at what Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is, we can briefly say that it is a mental disorder characterized by recurrent obsessions and repetitive compulsions to eliminate these obsessions. So, to the question of what OCD is, we can say that it is a psychological disorder.
Obsessions are disturbing, anxiety-provoking and often irrational thoughts that a person mentally experiences over and over again. These thoughts often relate to issues such as contamination, disease, safety, symmetry or order. Compulsions are certain rituals or behaviors used to relieve or eliminate the anxiety caused by obsessions.
OCD testing is a screening tool used to assess the presence and severity of OCD. OCD testing can be administered by a psychologist or psychiatrist. The most common Obsessive Compulsive Disorder tests are as follows:
- Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Scale (Y-BOCS)
- Maudsley Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Scale (MOCI)
What are the symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) symptoms are diverse. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder symptoms generally occur as recurring obsessions and repetitive compulsions to relieve these obsessions. OCD symptoms and characteristics of people with OCD in general include:
- Fear of pollution or germs: Believing that you need to wash your hands constantly
- Obsession with symmetry or order: Obsessive thoughts that objects must be in a certain order.
- Fear of illness or danger: Don’t constantly think that you will get sick or suffer a disaster.
- Negative thoughts: Constant fears that something bad will happen or moral concerns.
- Repetitive physical actions such as washing hands, showering or cleaning.
- Repetitive behaviors such as checking the door, constantly counting, placing objects in a certain order.
- Mental actions such as suppressing thought, saying prayers, or repeating a particular ritual.
- Mental Exhaustion: Struggling with obsessions and compulsions can cause a person to become mentally and emotionally drained.
- Affecting Daily Life: Symptoms of OCD can negatively impact the functionality of daily life, such as work, school, and social relationships.
- Anxiety and Stress: Obsessions and compulsions are often associated with intense anxiety and stress.
What are the types of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental disorder characterized by having unwanted and disturbing thoughts (obsessions) and engaging in repetitive behaviors (compulsions) based on these thoughts. OCD can be divided into different types according to the content of obsessions and compulsions. The most common types of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) are:
- The person has compulsions such as excessive washing and cleaning due to fear of contamination and contamination.
- The person attaches great importance to order and symmetry and has compulsions such as arranging things in a certain way.
- The person constantly feels the need to control and repeatedly checks things such as the stove, doors, and locks.
- A person has compulsions because of the fear of harming himself or his loved ones.
- The person experiences obsessions and compulsions related to religious or superstitious beliefs.
- The person experiences aggressive or sexual obsessions and compulsions.
How is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) treated?
We can answer the question of whether a cure for OCD has been found as follows:
There is treatment for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. In fact, there are various methods that are quite successful for the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The most common and effective methods are:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Drug therapy in some cases
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
- group therapy
- psychodynamic therapy
Which treatment is appropriate depends on the severity of OCD, the type of symptoms, and personal preferences. In many cases, more than one treatment method must be used together for best results.
This information is for informational purposes only. If you have a medical question, it is important to consult your doctor.