Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common mental health condition where a person has obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours.
An obsession is an unwanted and unpleasant thought, image or urge that repeatedly enters your mind, causing feelings of anxiety, disgust or unease.
Common symptoms include:
– Fear of germs or virus
– Unwanted forbidden or taboo thoughts involving sex, religion, or harm
– Aggressive thoughts towards others or self
– Having things symmetrical or in a perfect order
A compulsion is a repetitive behaviour or mental act that you feel you need to do to temporarily relieve the unpleasant feelings brought on by the obsessive thought.
Common compulsions include:
– Excessive cleaning and/or handwashing
– Ordering and arranging things in a particular, precise way
– Repeatedly checking on things, such as repeatedly checking to see if the door is locked or that the oven is off
– Compulsive counting
What are the signs of OCD?
Not all rituals or habits are compulsions. Everyone double checks things sometimes. But a person with OCD generally:
– Can’t control his or her thoughts or behaviors, even when those thoughts or behaviors are recognized as excessive
– Spends at least 1 hour a day on these thoughts or behaviors
– Doesn’t get pleasure when performing the behaviors or rituals, but may feel brief relief from the anxiety the thoughts cause
– Experiences significant problems in their daily life due to these thoughts or behaviors
What causes OCD?
The causes of OCD include psychological, biological and environmental factors.
Psychologically, some people are particularly perfectionistic, have exceptionally high moral standard or have particular concern about details. These characteristics are useful in general but would bring about the onset of OCD if they become extreme.
Biologically, OCD may be caused by genetic mutation. Those with family history of OCD may have higher chance to suffer from OCD, particularly those have onset at childhood or adolescence. Research also showed that imbalance of serotonin in the brain, developmental delay and Streptococcal A infection may cause symptoms of OCD.
Environmental factors such as stress, trauma, and even bacteria may also play a role in what causes OCD. And about one-third of OCD cases are intrigued by stressful events.
Take care of peers under the times of some stressful events. Do not hesitate or feel shamed to seek help from mental health practitioners.
Reference:
National Institute of Mental Health, “Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder”, (September 2022)
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd
NHS UK, “Overview – Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)”, (4 April 2023)
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd/overview/
