What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?

Have you seen someone batching or washing hands again and again?

Have you seen someone doing a particular movement a specific number of times? For instance, touching the light switch 5 times. 

Have you seen someone checking particular things repeatedly? Example: – checking if the gas stove is off a number of times, blinking eyes, jerking head or shoulders a specific number of times, and getting anxious if not done? 

If Yes, the person you’ve seen might have an obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Obsessive-compulsive Disorder is a mental health condition with a long-lasting phase of anxiety. It takes you inside the cage of repeated obsessions and compulsions. Each one of us experiences obsessions & compulsions at some point in life. For example: – Checking the lock while going out of the house. Some of us want our house to be neat and clean. But, obsessive-compulsive disorder is more than that. It’s an extreme condition that can take your hours or a whole day. It disturbs your daily life activities. People experiencing OCD feel that if they don’t do a particular thing, they will die or some uncertainty might happen with them. 

Did you know? OCD is not very common, affecting almost 1% of the population. 

What causes OCD? 

The following aspects can develop OCD in people: – 

1. Death of a loved one or traumatic experience
2. Excessive Illness
3. Impairment in daily functioning 
4. Abuse history 
5. Less Serotonin, a neurotransmitter that maintains mental balance. 
6. Problems in relationships

What happens to you when you experience OCD?

• Your compulsions are interfering with your regular activities. 
• You’re getting late for your work due to compulsions. 
• You’re not able to sleep well. 
• Your appetite is disturbed. 
• You know that you have a problem but you can’t stop. 

There is no certain test to diagnose OCD. But, psychologists & mental health professionals make the diagnosis after asking you specific questions about your symptoms. People generally use the term ‘obsession’ or say ‘I have the obsessive-compulsive disorder of cleanliness’, etc casually. But, it is not that casual when it comes to disorder & immediately needs treatment. 

How OCD can be treated?

• CBT: – Cognitive Behavior Therapy is kind of a psychotherapy. In this therapeutic intervention, you talk to a therapist who will examine your underlying thoughts and emotions behind your obsession with a certain thing. CBT will help you in channelizing your negative habits & thoughts to the positive ones and develop a healthier way to cope with them.
• Medications: – Some drugs are prescribed by the psychiatrist to increase the levels of serotonin and gain balance in your thoughts.
• Exposure & Response prevention therapy: – 

In this form of therapy, the psychologist tells you o do the thing which causes anxiety and will prevent you from responding with a compulsion. 

Example: – The psychologist may ask you to touch untidy objects and don’t let you wash your hands. 

How ‘Veda Rehab’ can help you with this? 

     Veda rehabilitation and wellness is the best rehabilitation center in India having its proprietary program o treat mental disorders like OCD. Along with CBT, REBT, and exposure therapy, ‘Veda’ provides other effective therapies like expressive arts therapy, dance movement therapy, yoga therapy to keep your mind engaged in good habits and find a balance in your life. Therefore, if you think you have an obsession with something which is leading you to a certain compulsive behavior, it’s an alarm for you. Approach a counselor for a better life ahead. 

Kalpesh Kulkarni 

Psychologist

Veda Rehabilitation and wellness