Obsessive-compulsive disorder takes over our mind

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Can't control those obsessive thoughts or impulsive actions? Don't worry, in this article we will delve deeper into this topic.

Those obsessive thoughts and impulsive actions are part of a disorder, which is characterized by a pattern of unwanted thoughts or fears, causing repetitive behaviors. These obsessions and compulsions interfere with daily life causing great emotional distress.

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Ignoring or trying to stop your obsessions increases your emotional distress and anxiety. Eventually, you feel the need to perform compulsive acts to try or succeed in calming your stress. You may try to stop them, but despite these efforts, they keep coming back again and again. It leads to more ritualistic behaviors, which is the vicious cycle of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

What symptoms are usually present?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a disease with periods of severe symptoms followed by periods of improvement. It is unusual to have a symptom-free period.

It includes certain obsessions as compulsions, but it is possible to have only obsession or compulsion symptoms. It is possible not to realize that these obsessions and compulsions are extremely excessive or unreasonable, but they tend to take up a lot of time and interfere with your daily routine, work, social or school functioning.

Some of the most common symptoms are:

Need to keep things tidy and symmetrical.
Unwanted thoughts, including aggression, sexual or religious themes.
Aggressive or horrible thoughts about losing control and harming yourself or others.
Following a strict routine
Demanding reassurance

The cause of this disorder is currently unknown, but there are some theories such as:

Learning: Fears and obsessive compulsive behaviors, may be learned by observing a family member or gradually over a long period of time.

Biology: It may result from natural chemical changes in the body or in brain functions.

It usually has its onset in adolescence or young adulthood, but may begin in childhood as well. Symptoms begin progressively and tend to vary in severity over time. It is important to note that the types of obsessions and compulsions also change over time. These can worsen when excessive stress is experienced.

This disorder, which is considered lifelong, can exist or have severe or moderate and prolonged symptoms until it becomes disabling.

Is there any method of prevention?

It is not possible to prevent this type of disorder. However, receiving some treatment as soon as possible, helps to stop the disease or prevent it from worsening and altering the activities of daily routine.