Many people like
to do things in a unique, particular manner. This is best described as a form
of individualized perfectionism, which is not necessarily bad as it can improve
organization and efficiency when performing daily or work-related tasks.
اضافة اعلان
However,
individualized perfectionism is often confused with a mental health condition
known as
obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which can seriously worsen the
individual’s quality of life.
The confusion
between both can lead to improper OCD self-diagnosis and leave people feeling
the need to change something in their life that might not need to change.
What is OCD?
The international prevalence of this condition is rare, coming at only
1.1–1.8 percent, which is stark in contrast to how frequently the term is used.
According to the
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, OCD is
comprised of two important characteristics: obsessions and compulsions.
Obsessions are defined as recurrent and persistent thoughts that are intrusive
and unwanted, which can cause anxiety and distress in most individuals.
A compulsion is
repetitive behaviors or mental acts that results from an obsession. Compulsions
are meant to help reduce anxiety or distress but, in actuality, have no
realistic or practical connection to the obsession. Individuals will try and
suppress or ignore obsessions or neutralize them by performing a compulsion.
To be diagnosed
with OCD, one can have obsessions, compulsions, or both, although it is most
commonly presented as both.
Features of OCD
OCD typically begins to present itself in adolescence or early
adulthood. In the US, the average age of onset is approximately 19.5, and 25
percent of cases present at 14 years. Although onset after age 35 is uncommon,
it can still happen.
OCD is also a
chronic condition, especially when left untreated, but in most cases, symptoms
are episodic. If left untreated, remission rates in adults are low. The onset
of the disease in childhood or adolescence can lead to lifelong OCD.
Between the
sexes, females are slightly more affected than males; however, males often have
an earlier onset than females. It is estimated that nearly 25 percent of males
have an onset before age 10.
Causes and risk
factors of OCD
The cause of many mental health conditions is difficult to pinpoint,
and OCD is no exception. Studies into this disorder are still relatively new,
although dysfunction in certain brain areas has been identified as a strong
risk indicator.
It is widely
believed, however, that genetic and environmental factors play a role. Genetics
does seem to play a greater role in developing OCD, as many studies indicate
that a family history of OCD is a strong indicator of the risk of developing
OCD. Those with a first-degree relative with OCD (i.g. parents) are twice as
likely to develop the disorder.
Environmental
factors can further increase the risk, including developmental factors such as
stress, trauma, or childhood abuse, especially if the individual already has
genetic risk factors or can worsen preexisting symptoms. Traumatic brain injury
may also play a role in developing OCD.
A 2021 study
assessed the relationship between traumatic brain injuries and OCD and found
that symptoms of OCD may appear for the first time following a head injury.
Similar to traumatic brain injuries, in some children, symptoms of OCD may
begin to appear suddenly following an infection. A common example is pediatric
autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcus, where
children may experience psychiatric conditions including OCD following a
streptococcal infection.
Impacts of OCD
One of the defining characteristics of OCD is the impact that it has on
the individual’s life. The obsessions or compulsions are, by nature,
time-consuming. Some mild to moderate symptoms can cause a person to spend 1–3
hours per day obsessing or performing compulsive acts, but in more severe
cases, it can be nearly constant intrusive thoughts or compulsions. As a
result, OCD can cause clinically significant distress or impairment in many
areas of life, including social, occupational, and physical health. This can
significantly reduce the overall quality of life, and the more severe the
symptoms, the greater the impairment.
Unfortunately, due to the impact OCD has on a person’s life, the risk for
suicide is significantly increased. It is estimated that nearly half of all
those diagnosed with OCD will have suicidal thoughts at some point. It is
believed that up to 25 percent of those with OCD will attempt suicide.
Although OCD
alone can negatively impact one’s life due to the time-consuming nature of the
condition and the changes to daily functioning, it is common for those with OCD
to have other psychological conditions. One of the most common co-existing
conditions with OCD is anxiety. It is estimated that 76 percent of those with
OCD have some form of anxiety disorder. Similarly, depression and bipolar
disorder are also common alongside OCD.
Management and
treatment
Although there is no cure for OCD, it can be managed
potentially to the point of remission.
Remission rates
vary depending on the treatment course, but estimates range between 32–70
percent for those who seek treatment. Medication is often used in managing
symptoms of OCD. However, it can take 8–12 weeks for the medicine to take
effect. As a result, it is common to incorporate some form of therapy alongside
medication, as therapy can help you learn and develop tools to manage unwanted
thoughts and change behavior, as well as help manage emotional distress.
Commonly used therapy approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy,
exposure and response prevention, and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.
Other techniques may be employed in some cases but have limited evidence,
including deep brain stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation.
Along with
professional help, practicing the coping strategies taught is also important.
Creating a self-care routine, meditation and mindfulness technique, and
breathing exercises can help manage symptoms as they come. In the long term,
these strategies will help reduce feelings of stress and improve the overall
quality of life.
Creating a support
system is also important. One of the areas of life impacted is social
functioning, which can strain relationships, especially familial ones. Opening
up to loved ones can help you get the support you need to manage your condition
and stay on the right track.
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