Health Resources: Living With OCD

OCD is short for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, an anxiety-related disorder that can be quite problematic. This mental health issue affects thousands of people and can become a real intrusion on a person’s life. The term OCD refers to people who must repeat an action or behave in a certain way so often that it becomes an action they perform without even thinking about it. Often it is accompanied by nervous actions that can become a problem dealing with others in a social situation. The patient may have an obsessive aspect to their personality, exhibiting a lot of focus on one thing, object, person, etc. This is where the compulsive part of OCD comes into play. Many times, those who deal with OCD repeat these actions unwillingly or without their control. In many instances, it can become a serious problem for loved ones, or can cause harm to the person who is dealing with the OCD.

Causes of OCD

The root or cause of OCD varies, and not all doctors and scientists agree on its origins. Most people who have OCD will show symptoms by the age of thirty years, but most physicians believe it is caused by trauma or head injuries that have now affected parts of the brain. Others may just have a chemical imbalance that causes them to exhibit OCD symptoms. Some kind of brain abnormality is shown in most patients with OCD, although the actual abnormality cause or even the issue itself is difficult to pinpoint. Another potential cause of OCD is an infection that has reached certain areas of the brain. There are many tests that can be performed to determine if someone has OCD. A widely used test is known as the YBOCS, or the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale which allows doctors to make a better assessment of a potential OCD patient. It can also help them to track progress of treatment as time goes on.

Symptoms of OCD

There are many different symptoms of OCD, and one of the most common is repetitive actions like hand washing, head or facial tics, or hand wringing. Nervous motions like toe tapping or fingernail biting can also be symptoms of OCD. The obsessive side of OCD can cause people to have difficulty functioning and living a normal life, because they are constantly focused on the things they are obsessive about. What the thing is that the patient is obsessed about is different in most people, so it’s hard to pin down OCD until the patient exhibits other symptoms. Most people who have been diagnosed know that their OCD and the actions as a result from it are unreasonable and interfere with aspects of their life.

Managing and Coping with OCD

Most OCD is handled or treated through different types of medications. The need for and type of medication prescribed should always be on a case by case basis and at a physician’s discretion. Some medication used to treat OCD can have other side effects, but usually they are mild enough to be unnoticeable or can be monitored by a doctor. The most commonly prescribed type of medicines are a form of antidepressant known as selective serotonin uptake inhibitors. Other potential forms of antidepressants that are prescribed might include something called tricyclic antidepressants. Cognitive behavioral therapy is another form of treatment used to help patients with OCD cope. This treatment can help patients to calm their nerves, focus on day to day activities, and learn how to deal with these issues and lower their anxiety levels. A combination of therapy and medication can often help people cope with OCD and live a better, more functional and more normal life. Most people who receive treatment for OCD can continue to work, live, and play just like those who do not suffer from OCD.