Living With Healthy Hunger Health Blog
People who feel compelled to repeat certain behaviors that hinder their peace of mind and everyday routine are more likely to be diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder. If someone feels they are exhibiting symptoms of OCD, they can seek help from the best psychiatrist in Karachi.
What is OCD?
OCD is a condition in which the person experiences repetitive thoughts that are disturbing. As compensation, they are compelled to perform or behave in a certain way. The disorder can hinder personal and professional relationships. Obsessions and compulsions are the main signs that point to the person suffering from OCD.
What are the symptoms of OCD?
The two main symptoms observed in a person suffering from OCD include obsessions and compulsions.
The signs of compulsions include:
- Fear of contamination due to which they wash and clean excessively
- Disturbing thoughts related to harming someone close to them.
- Persistent thoughts that others close to them are in danger
- Persistent sexual thoughts
- Aggressiveness in their behavior
The signs of obsessions include:
- Constantly counting and checking up on things
- Cleaning of same items
- Washing hands again and again
- Rearranging items near them in a specific order
- Checking on door locks and stove
What is the foundation of developing OCD?
Medical experts believe that genes play a role in developing OCD. It is more likely that a person with a family history of OCD can also be diagnosed with it. Also, early age habits can be another reason that leads to obsessive-compulsive disorder.
What is the process of diagnosis for OCD?
A mental health expert is a trained professional that diagnoses a person with OCD. Psychiatrists conduct semi-structured interviews and psychological testing tools for diagnoses. Also, It helps to determine the severity of the condition that affects his functioning in various life aspects.
What are the treatments options for OCD?
The treatment of OCD includes both; therapy and medication. The most effective methods to treat OCD are
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: It is also known as talk therapy in which the client and therapist work together to find unhealthy thinking patterns being the root cause. The therapist helps the client understand the thought pattern that is causing the anxiousness. The therapist helps the person understand and become aware of the impact of his obsessions and compulsions on mental and physical health. The realization leads to make rational decisions and focus on healthy ways to cope with the anxiety.
- Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy: The therapist helps the person understand the root cause of the disorder. There can be multiple triggers that correlate with OCD. Being aware would help the client develop skills that can help face the fear and reduce anxiety.
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are the antidepressants used to treat OCD. The commonly prescribed medications are paroxetine, sertraline, fluoxetine, and citalopram.
- Deep brain stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation are other advanced treatments used with medication or in severe cases.
What steps can help the person feel better?
It is significant that the person diagnosed with OCD work on reducing stress. Stress management techniques can be beneficial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It includes meditation, exercising regularly, having a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and enough sleep to remain fresh. Stress affects various aspects of life. Taking steps to reduce stress, obsessions, and compulsion help in maintaining personal and professional relationships, being proactive, and take steps for personal growth.
People with OCD may face difficulty in managing their stress and anxiety. It is essential to consult a psychiatrist in Islamabad to know about the treatment.
