What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
An Obsession occurs when an intrusive thought persists and does not go away. As a result of these thoughts, the person feels as if he has lost control. To gain control over these thoughts, the person starts doing repetitive actions or behaviors. This phenomenon is called Compulsion. The person develops a compulsion to neutralize the fear they felt due to the compulsion. But instead of neutralizing the fear, the compulsion feeds it, and the cycle continues.
The more a person gives in to compulsions, the stronger the obsessions become. The cycle continues, feeding on itself, making Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (simply OCD) not just a battle of thoughts but an exhausting, daily struggle for peace. This condition eventually hampers the normal life of the person and causes distress.
Also Read:
Difference Between Obsession and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Okay, so we all get those little fixations, right? Maybe you double-check the stove’s off or get a song stuck in your head. That’s pretty normal. But with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), it’s a whole different level. It’s like your brain gets stuck on repeat, and you can’t hit “stop.”
For instance, a person may fear that touching surfaces will expose them to deadly germs. At first, the thought is just a concern, but very soon, this concern grows into an overwhelming terror. To ease the anxiety, they begin compulsively washing their hands. The act seems reassuring, a temporary escape from fear. But soon, the effort is not enough. They might spend hours washing, even until their skin cracks, because the anxiety is unbearable.
- The real difference lies in how these thoughts feel. Normal thoughts, even the persistent ones, usually fit with who you are and what you believe. Like, if you’re a neat freak, wanting a tidy house feels natural. But OCD thoughts often feel totally alien, like an intruder in your mind.
- They cause deep distress because they clash with what you know is right. Psychologists call this “ego-dystonic“. It’s like your brain is attacking you with thoughts you don’t even like. So, it’s not just a passing worry; it’s a relentless, exhausting battle that makes everyday life incredibly difficult.
Causes of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
The exact causes of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is yet to be identified, but some factors are:
- Genetic factors — Genetics also play a role in the occurrence of this disorder; it is observed that there is a 10-12% chance of getting this disorder through heredity. Numerous studies have explored this topic, yet the outcomes remain unclear, necessitating further research. Along with genetic factors, environmental factors also play a major role.
- Brain structuring: Individuals with this disorder exhibit minor differences in their brain structure that are typically absent in normal individuals.
- Changes in the Neurotransmitters
- Childhood Trauma
Role of Gender in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
It is estimated that about 1-2% of the population of the USA suffers from this disorder. Research also indicates a slight increase in this disorder among women. This is because the woman’s body is complex and involves numerous hormones. There are monthly hormonal fluctuations and also changes during pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause.
All of these can cause an imbalance in the neurotransmitters and thus lead to obsessive-compulsive disorders.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Symptoms
Obsessive and repetitive thoughts usually lead to anxiety. The thoughts can be about
1. Fear of infection
2. Harming others
3. Losing control
4. Taboo thoughts
5. Excessive doubt.
Repetitive behaviors. These behaviors include
1. Excessive cleaning
2. Arranging things,
3. Seeking reassurance, and
4. Avoiding certain places or situations.
5. Some people exhibit repetitive movements that are uncontrollable.
Also Read:
Natural ways to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder
There is no known complete cure for obsessive-compulsive disorder, but certain lifestyle changes can help in reducing stress and anxiety and help to reduce the symptoms of this disorder.
Some of them are:
1. Regular Exercise
2. Proper healthy diet
3. Sleep management
4. Mediation
5. Healthy gut
6. Supplements
7. Support groups
8. Nature time
1. Regular Exercise
- Exercise is the best way to reduce stress. Research done by Boston University in the year 2017 found that “exercise helps to reduce the obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms”. It is one of the natural ways to treat this disorder.
- Exercise leads to an increase in the levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. Serotonin is used in the treatment of this disorder.
- Moderate-to-intense exercise for about 30 minutes a day can help reduce the symptoms of this disorder.
2. Proper and Healthy Diet
Diet plays a major role in the mental and physical well-being of any person. Diet is one of the natural ways to treat Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. A proper healthy diet with rich carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids helps treat this disorder. Some of the key nutrients for OCD management include:
- Vitamin D
- Zinc
- Magnesium
- Vitamin B12
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Protein-rich foods
- Homocysteine
3. Sleep Management
A healthy night’s sleep is needed for the proper functioning of the body. When the body gets a good night’s sleep, it has time to rejuvenate itself, and the hormones regulate themselves. Furthermore, our brain gets complete rest, and this helps in reducing stress and anxiety.
4. Meditation
- Meditation, a practice with roots across the globe, guides the mind toward tranquility.
- By gently clearing thoughts and fostering a sense of inner peace, it enhances focus and cultivates self-awareness.
- This stress-reducing technique is also showing promise in managing obsessive-compulsive disorder, with studies indicating its significant positive impact on individuals experiencing this condition.
5. Healthy Gut
Our gut affects the mind through the gut-brain axis. A healthy gut produces certain hormones and neurotransmitters, and they have a positive effect on some brain-related conditions like stress, depression, and anxiety. Thus, maintaining good gut health helps reduce the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorders.
6. Supplements
There are available herbal supplements that are used to treat OCD. Still, the studies performed with these herbal supplements are minimal, and further extensive research must be conducted to assess their effectiveness. Thus, before using any herbal supplements, consult your physician. Some of the herbal supplements are:
- St John’s Wort
- Milk thistle
- Valerian root
- Curcumin
- Boraga
7. Support Groups
- Connecting with others who have OCD can provide emotional support and reduce feelings of isolation. It’s like finding a bunch of people who are also on that island, and suddenly, you’re not alone anymore.
- You can share your experiences, the really weird stuff, without feeling judged. You can hear how others cope, what tricks they use, and just knowing someone else gets it is huge. It’s like, “Oh, so I’m not totally insane!” You might even make some friends who understand you in a way most people can’t.
8. Spending Time in Nature
- Being outdoors can have a calming effect and reduce stress. Nature slows that feeling of your thoughts racing down, making them less intense. You’re not focused on the “what ifs” anymore. You’re focused on the leaves rustling and the sunlight on your skin.
- Even just sitting in your backyard for a few minutes can make a difference. It’s like your brain is saying, “Okay, we can chill for a bit.” It doesn’t magically cure OCD, but it gives you a break from the constant battle, a little space to breathe.
Conclusion
Obsessive-compulsive disorder can disrupt our normal lives and relationships. However, the partner, friends, and family must understand what the person is going through and help them.
Making a few changes in our lifestyle and diet, including exercise, meditation, balanced nutrition, and supplements, can help reduce stress and the symptoms of this disorder and lead to a normal life.
IMPORTANT:
It’s crucial to recognize when OCD symptoms are significantly impacting your life, when self-help is not enough, and when professional help is necessary. Mental health professionals, particularly those specializing in OCD, can provide effective treatment options, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication, to help you regain control.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the 4 stages of OCD?
OCD typically progresses through four stages: obsession (intrusive, distressing thoughts), anxiety (intense discomfort from those thoughts), compulsion (repetitive behaviors to ease anxiety), and temporary relief (a short-lived sense of calm before the cycle repeats).
- How is it different from a normal obsession?
Normal obsession is a thought that everybody gets at one point or the other in their life. But with obsessive-compulsive disorder, this obsession is a very oppressive thought that can cause stress and anxiety.
- What are the symptoms of OCD?
Symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder are a vicious cycle of obsessive thoughts and repetitive behaviors. These behaviors can sometimes lead to self-harm. The obsessive thoughts can be about the fear of losing something, hurting someone, infections, etc.
- What is the cure for OCD?
There is no known complete cure for obsessive-compulsive disorder. Treatments are available to reduce the severity of the symptoms. Currently, we use serotonin to treat this disorder. Some of the natural ways to treat this disorder are exercise, a healthy diet, meditation, maintaining a healthy gut, etc.
- Is OCD hereditary?
Studies have revealed that heredity is one of the causes of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Research indicates that the presence of this disorder in heredity increases the likelihood of its occurrence by 10-12%.