Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

On the occasion of "World Mental Health Day," we wanted to spotlight a psychological disorder in order to raise awareness and information about it. We hope that by reading this, you will be able to comprehend and empathize with others who are similar to or different from you.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric disorder characterised by recurrent unpleasant thoughts or feelings (obsessions) or a strong need to repeat a behaviour (compulsions). Obsessions and compulsions can coexist in certain persons. It's the repeated habits that really can severely disrupt a person's everyday tasks and social interactions. People with OCD have persistent thoughts and inflexible habits. Not engaging in the actions creates a lot of discomfort.

Unfortunately, the phrases "obsessing" and "being obsessive" are commonly utilized in everyday speech. Someone is obsessed with a topic, a concept, or even a person in these more informal meanings of the word. Hearing the word "obsession" used in this way makes people with OCD feel as though their struggle with OCD symptoms is being minimised. So please be attentive to the use of such terms and the terminology used to describe the activities. Below is a list of symptoms associated with OCD for you to understand this disorder better.

Obsessions

While everyone worries, persons with OCD might become overwhelmed by their concerns and anxieties, making it difficult to carry out daily duties.

Obsessive thinking might include the following:

• Apprehension of being polluted by others or the environment
• Sexually disturbing ideas or images
• Fear of uttering cuss words or insults
• Extreme concern for symmetry, order, or precision
• Sound, picture, word, or numerical intrusions on a regular basis
• Fear of misplacing or abandoning crucial items

Compulsions

The second element of obsessive-compulsive disorder is compulsions. These are habitual actions or ideas that a person engages in order to diminish, invalidate, or completely eradicate their obsessions.

Symptoms and indications of compulsion include:

• Hand washing, bathing, brushing teeth, or toileting in excess of on a regular basis
• Cleaning of home items on a regular basis
• Putting items in a certain order or arrangement
• Checking locks, switches, or appliances on a regular basis
• Constantly looking for affirmation or confirmation
• Counting to a specific number over and over

Being a perfectionist, or someone who demands faultless outcomes or performance is not the same as having OCD. OCD thoughts aren't only excessive concerns about real-life problems or a need to keep things neat or organised in a particular way, it is a much bigger problem and can severely damage one's peace and ability to live freely. Consult your doctor or a mental health expert if your obsessions and compulsions are impacting your quality of life.