Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), ever heard of it? Whether never or a few details here and there, we’ve written everything you need to know about OCD in this post.
While getting your regular routine done or just sitting down quietly, you suddenly found yourself lost in thought for a long period of time.
You then eventually feel the need the carry out a particular act, only for you to realize you have done this same particular thing over a thousand times today and you still feel the urge to do it again just to relieve you of the persistent thought that occupied your mind.
If this is the case, then you may have OCD but don’t fret because you will discover the detailed explanation of OCD (Obsessive-compulsive disorder), causes of OCD, the several signs and symptoms that may indicate you truly have OCD.
What is OCD?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common mental health disorder in which you uncontrollably think (obsessions) and behave (compulsions) or perform some routines repeatedly.
These thoughts or obsessions can be strong enough to interfere with your daily and normal activities and when you try to ignore them, it only leads to distress, fatigue and anxiety. You then eventually try to ease yourself by performing compulsive deeds to relief your stress but your thoughts keep coming back after your endeavors to stop it.
You may be aware of the fact that your obsessions and compulsions are unrealistic but you just cannot stop yourself from this OCD cycle.
If that is the case, you do not need to cringe anymore because today is your fortunate day for you will discover certain ways to get rid of obsessive-compulsive disorder OCD naturally.
What Are The Causes of OCD?
The exact cause of OCD is not fully known but there are certain claims that some factors play a role in the condition.
These factors include:
Genetics: Studies have shown that individuals with family members who have OCD also have higher chances of developing OCD. So you are more likely to have this disorder if any of your close relatives has it because of your genes.
Biological factors: Changes in the brain functions or the body chemistry may result to developing OCD.
Environmental factors: Certain environmental situations like abuse, illness, relationship matters, death of a loved one, work or school issues may lead to higher chances of developing the symptoms of OCD.
Signs and Symptoms of OCD
If you have OCD, you may either experience obsessive thoughts regularly or compulsive actions or even both. Some people experience one of the two while others experience both and this is the common case.
Obsessions include:
1. Unwanted thoughts that comes to your mind repeatedly
2. Fear of contamination by touching other things or fear of dirt
3. Need for preciseness, orderliness or symmetry
4. Aggressive thoughts or fear of causing harm to yourself or others
5. Fear of being embarrassed
Compulsions include:
1. Constant counting
2. Washing, showering, cleaning or bathing excessively
3. Repeatedly checking things such as doors to make sure they are locked, oven or stoves to ensure they are off.
4. Arranging things in a particular and precise way.
5. Continuous whispering of specific words, phrases or prayers.
NB: Although all habits are not obsessions and compulsions but if you are unable to control these thoughts and behaviors, you spend at least one hour a day on them, you don’t derive any pleasure at all but a feeling of relief from anxiety they cause and experience major problems in your day to day activities then you have OCD.
