Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that affects many people around the world, including Spain. Although it is a well-known disorder, there is much confusion and common questions among sufferers and their loved ones.
Below, we address the most frequently asked questions to provide a clear and accessible understanding of OCD.
What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
OCD is an anxiety disorder characterised by the presence of obsessions and compulsions.
- Obsessions are recurrent, intrusive thoughts, images or impulses that cause great anxiety or discomfort. These thoughts are not simply excessive preoccupations with real-life problems, but are often irrational and difficult to control.
- Compulsions are repetitive behaviours or mental acts that a person feels the need to perform in response to an obsession, in order to reduce anxiety or avoid a feared event. These actions, although relieving in the short term, have no realistic connection to the problems they seek to prevent, maintaining and reinforcing the problem.
What are the symptoms of OCD?
The symptoms of OCD can vary, but some of the most common include:
- Common obsessions: fear of contamination, repeated doubts (such as having locked the door), need for symmetry and order, aggressive thoughts or fears of harming others.
- Common compulsions: excessive hand washing, repeatedly checking things (locks, appliances), counting and repeating words silently, ordering and arranging objects in a particular way.
These symptoms can interfere significantly with daily life, taking up much of the person's time and energy and diminishing their quality of life.
What causes OCD?
The causes of OCD are not fully understood, but it is believed that there is a combination of biological, genetic and environmental factors. Some possible causes include:
- Biological factors: imbalances in certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, may contribute to the development of OCD.
- Genetics: having family members with OCD may increase the risk of developing the disorder, suggesting a genetic influence.
- Environmental factors: significant stress, trauma or major life changes may trigger OCD in predisposed individuals.
How is OCD diagnosed?
The diagnosis of OCD is made by a mental health professional through a clinical assessment. This process includes:
- Clinical interview: to learn about specific symptoms and their impact on daily life.
- Medical history: to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms.
- Questionnaires or rating scales: standardised tools to measure the severity of symptoms.
It is important to seek help from a mental health professional if OCD is suspected, as a proper diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.
What is the treatment for OCD?
Treatment for OCD usually involves a combination of psychotherapy and medication:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): this is the most effective form of therapy for OCD. Psychoeducation about OCD and techniques such as exposure with response prevention (ERP), which involves gradually exposing the patient to the obsessions while preventing the compulsions from occurring.
- Medication: Antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are commonly prescribed and may help reduce symptoms.
In some cases, other interventions such as family or group therapy may be considered, especially if OCD is affecting more than one family member.
How does OCD affect daily life?
Psychologically, OCD can have a devastating impact on daily life. The constant battle with obsessions and compulsions consumes time and energy, interfering with everyday activities, including
- Personal relationships: Compulsions can cause conflict and misunderstandings with family and friends, who may not understand the need for these repetitive behaviours.
- Academic or work performance: The need to perform compulsions can make it difficult to concentrate and be efficient at work or school.
- Emotional well-being: Constant anxiety and stress can lead to other mental health problems, such as affective disorders.
What can family and friends do?
Psychological support from family and friends is essential. Understanding OCD and offering an atmosphere of understanding and emotional support, listening without judgement and being available to be there for difficult times can make a big difference. Being a pillar of support in difficult times significantly helps sufferers to manage the disorder more effectively.
In conclusion, OCD is a complex disorder that profoundly affects the psychology of those who suffer from it. A combination of appropriate treatment, emotional support and education about the disorder can help mitigate its effects and improve the quality of life of those affected.
In our psychological clinic in Alicante, Psiquiatría Lucentum, we will help you to manage your thoughts, emotions and behaviours that cause you psychological discomfort.
